Key Highlights
- Xbox initiated discussions for the development of Ninja Gaiden 4 approximately six years ago, culminating in a collaboration with Team Ninja and Platinum Games.
- Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, expressed enthusiasm over the resurgence of the Ninja Gaiden franchise, emphasizing enhanced partnerships with Japanese developers.
- Fans can expect an exciting year in 2025, not only for the release of the sequel but also for a spin-off game that promises varied gameplay experiences.
Phil Spencer, the CEO of Xbox’s parent company, Microsoft Gaming, recently disclosed that the much-anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4 was a project they began advocating for over six years ago. Scheduled for release in 2025 across Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, this game marks the long-awaited follow-up to 2012’s Ninja Gaiden 3.
As Xbox gears up for a thrilling 2024, following the release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the company is keen to maintain its momentum. Recent announcements made during their latest Developer Direct event showcased the gameplay of the eagerly awaited Doom: The Dark Ages, along with significant Ninja Gaiden updates. A remastered version of the 2008 classic, Ninja Gaiden 2, was shadow-dropped, and excitement built around the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4, the first mainline entry in the series in over a decade. Interestingly, one of these developments originates from Xbox’s earlier discussions with the Japanese studio.
In a recent interview with Gamertag Radio, Spencer noted that Team Ninja and Platinum Games have been on his radar for a significant time. He mentioned that the idea for the sequel was first proposed around six or seven years ago. His evident satisfaction with the culmination of these efforts was palpable, as he commented on the positive reception from fans, describing the entire process as “fantastic.”
Xbox’s Long-standing Collaboration with Japanese Developers
The resurgence of Ninja Gaiden’s series is a testament to Xbox’s commitment to bolster its relationships with Japanese game studios. Spencer acknowledged the strides made in this area, stating, “I love to see the progress that we’ve made.”He expressed his intention to further these collaborations, indicating that there remains “more work to do”in nurturing these valuable partnerships.
With the release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black already available, the excitement builds for two additional titles scheduled for rollout in 2025. Alongside Ninja Gaiden 4, a spin-off titled Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, which was revealed at The Game Awards 2024, is also in the pipeline. Interestingly, while both the remastered version and the upcoming sequel boast cutting-edge graphics, the spin-off embraces a nostalgic retro look featuring pixel-based visuals.
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