Phil Spencer Revives Ninja Gaiden Franchise

Team Ninja's producer Fumihiko Yasuda revealed that the studio has been eager to develop a new installment in their renowned series but struggled to pinpoint a concept that resonated with them. The project gained momentum when Koei Tecmo president Hisashi Koinuma and PlatinumGames head Atsushi Inaba discussed the idea. Subsequently, Phil Spencer, a key figure in the gaming industry, joined the conversation and proposed a collaborative effort between the three companies to bring the project to life.

Phil Spencer disclosed that discussions about a sequel have been ongoing since 2017, when he initially spoke with Team Ninja. After years of deliberation, the ideal partnership was formed with PlatinumGames, known for their expertise in crafting fast-paced action titles such as Bayonetta and NieR: Automata.

Last week marked the official announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4. Alongside this exciting news, a re-release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, an enhanced version of the beloved Xbox 360 game, was unexpectedly made available on Xbox, PS5, and PC platforms.

The debut trailer for Ninja Gaiden 4 indicates that the iconic ninja, Ryu Hayabusa, will spearhead this adrenaline-pumping action game. The gameplay trailer showcases innovative mechanics unique to this installment, such as the ability to navigate quickly through environments using wires and rails, adding a fresh dimension to the series.

While DOOM: The Dark Ages captured the spotlight at Developer_Direct, Ninja Gaiden 4, the eagerly awaited sequel from Koei Tecmo, also made waves with its announcement. Fans can look forward to its release in the fall of 2025.