Team Ninja's 30th Anniversary: Big Plans on the Horizon
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary famed for its action-packed franchises like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant projects to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025. While renowned for its hack-and-slash titles, the studio has also expanded its repertoire to include successful soulslike RPGs such as the Nioh series and collaborations with Square Enix (Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty). The recent PlayStation 5 exclusive, Rise of the Ronin, further showcases Team Ninja's versatility.
In a recent interview (via 4Gamer.net and Gematsu), Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja alluded to upcoming releases designed to be "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, "In 2025, Team Ninja will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and we hope to announce and release titles fitting for the occasion," has ignited considerable fan anticipation.
Team Ninja's 2025 Possibilities:
The anticipation is further fueled by the already announced Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a side-scrolling title revealed at The Game Awards 2024. This new entry aims to recapture the classic 8-bit era's challenging gameplay while incorporating modern elements. The last mainline Ninja Gaiden game was 2014's Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, a title that proved divisive among fans.
The Dead or Alive franchise, last updated with Dead or Alive 6 in 2019, has seen only spin-offs in recent years. The anniversary presents a prime opportunity for a new mainline entry, a prospect many fans eagerly await. The Nioh series also remains a strong contender for a potential sequel or expansion, given its popularity. 2025 promises to be a significant year for Team Ninja and its fans.
