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 iconic series, the studio has also garnered success with soulslike RPGs such as the Nioh series and collaborations like Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. The recent release of Rise of the Ronin further showcases their expanding portfolio.
Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja, in a 4Gamer.net interview (as reported by Gematsu), alluded to upcoming releases "fitting for the occasion." While details remain scarce, speculation centers around potential new entries in 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.
Team Ninja's 2025 Possibilities:
The already announced Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a side-scrolling title unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, promises a blend of classic 8-bit gameplay and modern enhancements. This marks a significant return for the franchise after the divisive Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z in 2014.
The Dead or Alive franchise, lacking a mainline entry since 2019's Dead or Alive 6, is another prime candidate for anniversary attention. Fans eagerly await news of a new installment, hoping to see the series revitalized. Similarly, the popular Nioh series is another strong contender for a new release or announcement.
The anticipation surrounding Team Ninja's 30th-anniversary projects is high, with fans eagerly awaiting official announcements to see which of their beloved franchises will receive the spotlight.