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 (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, Team Ninja's Fumihiko Yasuda 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. The anticipation is palpable, particularly given the long-awaited return of Ninja Gaiden.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, announced at The Game Awards 2024, is set to revitalize the franchise with a side-scrolling format that blends classic 8-bit gameplay with modern enhancements. This marks a significant step, considering the last mainline entry, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (2014), was met with mixed reception.
The Dead or Alive franchise, meanwhile, hasn't seen a mainline installment since Dead or Alive 6 (2019). Fans eagerly await news of a new entry, hoping Team Ninja will leverage its anniversary to reignite this iconic fighting game series. The Nioh series also remains a strong contender for a potential anniversary announcement. 2025 promises exciting developments from this celebrated studio.
