Xbox’s Longstanding Efforts to Develop Ninja Gaiden 4

About six years ago, the idea of reviving the Ninja Gaiden series was set in motion by Xbox, marking the franchise’s resurgence with the collaboration of Team Ninja and Platinum Games. Xbox head honcho Phil Spencer recently shared his enthusiasm for the revival, noting an improved partnership with Japanese developers. Fans of the series have much to anticipate, including a sequel and a spin-off game slated for 2025, promising varied gameplay adventures.

Phil Spencer, at the helm of Microsoft Gaming, has disclosed that the push for Ninja Gaiden 4 began at least six years in the past. This eagerly awaited installment follows 2012’s Ninja Gaiden 3 and will make its appearance in 2025 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Xbox has no plans of slowing down after 2024’s exhilarating finale featuring Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The latest Developer Direct event wasn’t short on surprises for fans. Alongside an exciting preview of Doom: The Dark Ages gameplay, big announcements around the Ninja Gaiden franchise were made. A remastered version of 2008’s Ninja Gaiden 2 took the spotlight as it was both revealed and released, while Team Ninja gave a first glimpse of Ninja Gaiden 4—marking the series’ mainline comeback after 13 long years. Interestingly, these announcements came about due to Xbox’s pitch to the Japanese developers years back.

In a Gamertag Radio chat, Spencer reflected on his long-term communication with Team Ninja and Platinum Games regarding Ninja Gaiden 4. He revealed this sequel as the fulfilment of Xbox’s idea put forward six to seven years ago. He expressed pure satisfaction in seeing this long-planned project unfold and the fans’ enthusiastic reception, calling it a “fantastic” experience.

Xbox’s involvement in revitalizing Ninja Gaiden is part of a larger push within Japan, which Spencer proudly acknowledged. He emphasized Xbox’s progression in collaborating with Japanese studios, expressing eagerness to continue nurturing these partnerships while acknowledging that there’s still progress to be made.

Beyond the already released Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, anticipation mounts for more Ninja Gaiden titles awaiting launch in 2025. Apart from the forthcoming Ninja Gaiden 4, fans can expect Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a spin-off that caught attention at The Game Awards 2024. While the remaster and sequel focus on high-resolution graphics for modern gaming systems, Ragebound promises a nostalgic journey with its pixelated design.

Returning to the Ninja Assassin Universe, NINJA GAIDEN 4 combines fierce combat and modern flair, reconnecting with longtime fans while captivating a new audience. Expect the renowned Ryu Hayabusa to wield upgraded techniques and new weaponry in this action-packed adventure. Evolving the hack-and-slash genre, it merges Team Ninja’s battle expertise with PlatinumGames’ dynamic visual style. Players can expect intense combat, strategic character engagement, and the iconic Bloodbind Ninjutsu. Set in near-future Tokyo, young ninja prodigy Yakumo embarks on a mission to defeat an ancient curse, joined by Hayabusa in a shared destiny.

Set for a 2025 release, NINJA GAIDEN 4 rolls out under the banner of Xbox Game Studios with a mature ESRB rating for its intense action content. Available on Xbox Series and PlayStation, it’s poised to thrill solo players in this high-stakes solo journey.