Team Ninja's 30th Anniversary: Big Plans on the Horizon
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary renowned for its action-packed titles like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant projects to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025. Beyond its flagship franchises, the studio's portfolio boasts successful soulslike RPGs including the Nioh series and collaborations with Square Enix (Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty). The recent release of Rise of the Ronin further solidified their position in the action RPG landscape.
In a recent interview (via 4Gamer.net and Gematsu), Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja alluded to upcoming releases "fitting for the occasion." While details remain scarce, speculation centers on potential new entries in the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden series. Yasuda's statement confirmed the intent to launch anniversary-worthy titles in 2025.
Team Ninja's 2025 Possibilities:
The anticipation is further fueled by the December 2024 Game Awards announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a side-scrolling revival blending classic 8-bit gameplay with modern enhancements. This marks a significant return for the franchise after the divisive Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (2014).
The Dead or Alive franchise, dormant since Dead or Alive 6 (2019), is another prime candidate for an anniversary release. Fans eagerly await a new mainline entry, hoping to see the series revitalized. Similarly, the Nioh series has a dedicated fanbase hoping for a sequel or related announcement. The possibilities are numerous, and 2025 promises exciting announcements from Team Ninja.