Ninja Gaiden 4 Was the Surprise Reveal at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: A Double Dose of Ninja Action Announced at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Team Ninja declared 2025 "The Year of the Ninja," culminating in the surprise reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4 and the remastered Ninja Gaiden 2 Black during the Xbox Developer Direct 2025. This marks a significant return for the franchise, thirteen years after Ninja Gaiden 3.

Developed collaboratively by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces a new protagonist, Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan striving for mastery. Art Director Tomoko Nishii (PlatinumGames) described Yakumo's design as aiming to stand alongside Ryu Hayabusa, the series' iconic hero. Producer and Director Yuji Nakao (PlatinumGames) explained the decision to introduce a new protagonist: "Since it’s been a while since the last game, we wanted a new hero to make the series more approachable for new players. Of course, Ryu Hayabusa plays a significant role in the story, serving as a major challenge and growth milestone for Yakumo."

Rest assured, Ryu Hayabusa remains a crucial element of the narrative and will be playable, ensuring fans of the original protagonist are not disappointed.

Ninja Gaiden 4's combat maintains the series' signature brutal, fast-paced action, enhanced by Yakumo's unique "Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style," adding to his Raven Style. Director Masazaku Hirayama (Team Ninja) confirmed the action will feel authentic to the Ninja Gaiden series, while Nakao highlighted the integration of PlatinumGames' speed and dynamic flair. The game is currently 70-80% complete and in the polishing phase.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is slated for release in Fall 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will be a day-one Xbox Game Pass title.

Meanwhile, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 title, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and is included with Xbox Game Pass. This enhanced version features additional playable characters from Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, offering fans a taste of the action while awaiting Ninja Gaiden 4.