Ninja Clan Marks Milestone with Unveiled Plans

Team Ninja Celebrates 30 Years with Ambitious Plans for 2025

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 mark its 30th anniversary in 2025. Beyond these flagship titles, the studio's recent successes include the acclaimed Nioh series and collaborations with Square Enix, showcasing its versatility in the action RPG genre. Their work extends to titles such as Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, both drawing praise for their unique blends of historical settings and soulslike gameplay. The 2024 release of Rise of the Ronin further solidified their position as a leading developer in the action RPG space.

In a recent interview (via 4Gamer.net and Gematsu), Team Ninja's Fumihiko Yasuda hinted at upcoming releases designed to befitting of this momentous occasion. While details remain scarce, the statement strongly suggests significant announcements and launches connected to either the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden franchises are on the horizon. Yasuda stated, "In 2025, Team Ninja will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and we hope to announce and release titles fitting for the occasion."

Speculation and Anticipated Releases

The anticipation is particularly high given the recent announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound at The Game Awards 2024. This new side-scrolling entry promises a fresh take on the classic franchise, merging nostalgic 8-bit gameplay with modern enhancements. This follows the divisive 2014 release of Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z.

Meanwhile, fans eagerly await news regarding the Dead or Alive franchise, with the last mainline entry dating back to 2019's Dead or Alive 6. Recent releases have been limited to spin-offs, leaving a significant gap for a potential new mainline game. The Nioh series also holds a place in fans' hopes for a 2025 announcement.

The coming year promises exciting developments from Team Ninja as they commemorate three decades of game development. Their 30th anniversary is poised to be a landmark moment, potentially unveiling new entries in beloved franchises or even entirely new IPs.