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 has also garnered acclaim for its foray into action RPGs, notably 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 market.
According to Fumihiko Yasuda, speaking to 4Gamer.net (as reported by Gematsu), Team Ninja aims to launch titles befitting their milestone anniversary. While specifics remain undisclosed, speculation centers on potential new entries in the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden series. Yasuda's statement confirms the studio's intention to unveil and release celebratory titles in 2025.
Team Ninja's 2025 Possibilities:
The announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound at The Game Awards 2024 already confirms one significant release. This side-scrolling title promises a return to the series' roots, blending classic 8-bit gameplay with modern enhancements. This follows the divisive Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (2014) as the latest mainline entry.
The future of the Dead or Alive franchise remains uncertain. The last mainline entry, Dead or Alive 6, launched in 2019, leaving fans eager for a new installment. Recent releases have been limited to spin-offs. Similarly, the highly successful Nioh series is another strong contender for a potential anniversary announcement.
The anticipation surrounding Team Ninja's 30th-anniversary releases is high, with fans eagerly awaiting news on which beloved franchises will receive the spotlight.