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 these flagship franchises, the studio has also garnered success with 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 release of Rise of the Ronin further showcases their versatility.
In a recent interview (via 4Gamer.net and Gematsu), Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja alluded to upcoming releases "fitting for the occasion." While specifics remain undisclosed, speculation centers on potential new entries in the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden series. The statement itself generated considerable excitement among fans.
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).
Meanwhile, the Dead or Alive franchise, last updated with Dead or Alive 6 in 2019, awaits a potential mainline sequel. Recent years have seen only spin-offs, leaving fans hopeful for a major anniversary release. The Nioh series is also a strong contender for a new installment, given its popularity. The possibilities are numerous and exciting for Team Ninja's 30th anniversary.
