Team Ninja's 30th Anniversary: Big Plans on the Horizon
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary renowned for its action-packed franchises like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant projects to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025. Beyond these flagship titles, the studio's portfolio boasts successful soulslike RPGs, including the Nioh series and collaborations with Square Enix such as Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. The recent release of Rise of the Ronin further showcases their diverse capabilities.
In a recent interview, Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja hinted at upcoming releases, describing them as "titles fitting for the occasion." While specifics remain undisclosed, anticipation is high amongst fans. The statement fuels speculation about potential revivals or new installments within the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden franchises.
Potential 2025 Releases:
The already-announced Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a side-scrolling title blending classic 8-bit gameplay with modern enhancements, is set for a 2025 release. This marks a significant return for the franchise after the divisive Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z in 2014.
The future of the Dead or Alive franchise remains uncertain. While no new mainline entry has been released since Dead or Alive 6 in 2019, fans eagerly await a celebratory announcement for the studio's anniversary. Similarly, the possibility of a new Nioh installment is a strong contender for many fans' hopes.
The upcoming year promises exciting developments from Team Ninja as they celebrate their 30th anniversary with what promises to be a significant release or series of releases.