Summary
- Xbox pushed for Ninja Gaiden 4 roughly six years ago, leading to its revival with Team Ninja and Platinum Games.
- Phil Spencer expresses satisfaction with the revival of the Ninja Gaiden franchise and Xbox’s increased collaboration with Japanese developers.
- Ninja Gaiden fans can anticipate not only the sequel but also a spin-off game in 2025, offering a diverse gameplay experience.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, recently revealed that the development of Ninja Gaiden 4 has been a long time coming, with Xbox first pushing for the project over six years ago. This highly anticipated sequel to 2012’s Ninja Gaiden 3 is slated for a 2025 release on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, marking a triumphant return for the iconic action series.
Xbox has been riding high after a stellar 2024, capped by the release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. During its latest Developer Direct event, the company showcased an exciting lineup that promises to keep the momentum going. Highlights included gameplay footage of Doom: The Dark Ages and two major announcements from developer Team Ninja. Fans were treated to a remastered version of 2008’s Ninja Gaiden 2, which was shadow-dropped during the event, and a thrilling first look at Ninja Gaiden 4. According to Spencer, the idea for this long-awaited sequel originated from discussions with Xbox years ago, emphasizing the company’s commitment to revitalizing beloved gaming franchises.
In a recent interview with Gamertag Radio, Xbox head Phil Spencer revealed that the development of Ninja Gaiden 4 by Team Ninja and Platinum Games has been in the works for quite some time. Spencer shared that Xbox has been in contact with these Japanese developers for “an awful long time,” and the sequel is the result of efforts that began nearly six to seven years ago. He explained that the idea originated from Xbox “knocking on some doors” and pitching the concept years ago. Spencer expressed his excitement at finally unveiling the project and witnessing the fans’ enthusiastic response, calling the experience “fantastic” and a testament to long-term planning.
Xbox Pitched Ninja Gaiden’s Revival Years Ago, Plans to Continue Similar Collaboration with Japanese Devs
Fans of Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden series have Xbox to thank for the franchise’s upcoming resurgence, as the console giant’s growing collaboration with Japanese studios has paved the way for new entries. Reflecting on Xbox’s efforts in Japan, Phil Spencer expressed pride in the progress made but acknowledged there’s “more work to do” and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening these partnerships.
With Ninja Gaiden 2 Black already available, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of two new titles in 2025. These include Ninja Gaiden 4, a full-fledged sequel showcasing cutting-edge visuals, and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a spin-off revealed at The Game Awards 2024 that delivers a nostalgic, retro experience with pixel-art graphics. Both games highlight the franchise’s ability to evolve while catering to a diverse audience of fans.