The Ninja Gaiden franchise is back thanks to Phil Spencer

Team Ninja's long-awaited Ninja Gaiden sequel is finally happening, thanks to a collaboration sparked by a conversation between Koei Tecmo, PlatinumGames, and Xbox. Producer Fumihiko Yasuda revealed that the studio had struggled to solidify a concept for years. The breakthrough came through discussions involving Koei Tecmo president Hisashi Koinuma, PlatinumGames head Atsushi Inaba, and Xbox's Phil Spencer, who proposed a joint venture.

Spencer confirmed that initial talks began as early as 2017. The partnership with PlatinumGames, renowned for titles like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata, proved the ideal fit to deliver the fast-paced action the series demands.

The surprise announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4 was accompanied by the immediate release of a remastered Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Early footage showcases Ryu Hayabusa returning as the protagonist in this action-packed adventure. Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces innovative mechanics, including dynamic traversal using wires and rails, setting it apart from its predecessors.

While DOOM: The Dark Ages dominated headlines at the Developer_Direct showcase, the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4, a highly anticipated addition to the Koei Tecmo franchise, also generated significant buzz. The game is slated for an autumn 2025 release.