Team Ninja's 30th Anniversary: Big Plans on the Horizon
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary renowned for action titles like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant projects for its 30th anniversary in 2025. Beyond its flagship franchises, the studio's recent successes include the critically acclaimed Nioh series and collaborations with Square Enix, such as Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. The 2024 release of Rise of the Ronin further solidified Team Ninja's position as a leading developer of action RPGs.
In a recent interview, Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja alluded to upcoming releases "fitting for the occasion" of the studio's anniversary. While details remain scarce, speculation centers on potential new entries in the Ninja Gaiden or Dead or Alive franchises. The statement, "In 2025, Team Ninja will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and we hope to announce and release titles fitting for the occasion," has ignited considerable anticipation among fans.
What Might 2025 Hold?
The anticipation is further fueled by the December 2024 Game Awards announcement of Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a side-scrolling revival blending classic 8-bit gameplay with modern enhancements. This follows the divisive 2014 release of Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z.
Meanwhile, the Dead or Alive franchise, last updated with Dead or Alive 6 in 2019, has seen only spin-offs since. Many fans are hopeful for a mainline sequel to celebrate Team Ninja's milestone. The possibility of a new Nioh installment also remains a strong contender for many fans. 2025 promises exciting developments from this influential studio.
