Team Ninja's 30th Anniversary: Big Plans on the Horizon
Team Ninja, the Koei Tecmo subsidiary renowned for franchises like Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive, has hinted at significant projects to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2025. While famous for its action-packed titles, the studio has also expanded its portfolio to include successful soulslike RPGs, such as 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 showcased their versatility.
According to Fumihiko Yasuda of Team Ninja (via 4Gamer.net and Gematsu), the studio aims to launch titles befitting their milestone anniversary. While specifics remain undisclosed, speculation centers on potential new entries in the Dead or Alive or Ninja Gaiden series. 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 anticipation among fans.
Looking at potential 2025 releases:
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Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound: Already announced at The Game Awards 2024, this side-scrolling title promises a blend of classic 8-bit gameplay and modern enhancements, bridging the gap between the series' origins and its 3D iterations. This follows the divisive 2014 release, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z.
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Dead or Alive: With no mainline entry since Dead or Alive 6 (2019), fans eagerly await news of a new installment. Recent releases have been limited to spin-offs. The anniversary presents a prime opportunity for a significant revival.
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Nioh: The possibility of a new entry in this critically acclaimed soulslike series also remains a strong contender for a 2025 release.
Team Ninja's 30th anniversary promises exciting developments for fans of its diverse and influential game catalog. The coming year will undoubtedly reveal more about the studio's ambitious plans.
