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 solidified their expertise in action RPGs.
In a recent interview (via 4Gamer.net and Gematsu), Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja alluded to upcoming releases "fitting for the occasion." While details remain scarce, speculation centers on potential revivals of the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden franchises. Yasuda's statement, "In 2025, Team Ninja will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and we hope to announce and release titles fitting for the occasion," fuels fan anticipation.
2025 Release Possibilities:
The already announced Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a side-scrolling title blending classic 8-bit gameplay with modern enhancements, is set to launch in 2025. This follows the divisive Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z (2014), making this a highly anticipated return to form for the franchise.
The Dead or Alive franchise, however, hasn't seen a mainline entry since 2019's Dead or Alive 6. Recent releases have been spin-offs, leaving fans hoping for a significant anniversary announcement. Similarly, the popular Nioh series is another candidate for a potential sequel or expansion, given the fanbase's enthusiasm.
The coming year promises exciting developments from Team Ninja, as they aim to deliver anniversary titles that meet the high expectations of their dedicated fanbase.