For the last few years now, Xbox’s Developer Directs have been a great way to kick off the year for the video game industry, highlighting a handful of Xbox projects, and showing some of the faces behind the magic.2025’s Xbox Developer Directwas a particularly strong one, thanks in no small part to the surprise announcement ofNinja Gaiden 4.
The first mainlineNinja Gaidenentry in 13 years,Ninja Gaiden 4’s announcement was a big deal for fans, and based on the interviews in the Developer Direct, it’s a big deal for Team Ninja as well. But Team Ninja isn’t the only studio working onNinja Gaiden 4. Parent company Koei Tecmo has worked some of its magic to bring Team Ninja and PlatinumGames together, two studios whose philosophies seem like a perfect pairing in general, and a natural fit for theNinja Gaidenfranchise.
Ninja Gaiden 4’s Developers Are a Match Made in Heaven
PlatinumGames' Trademark Fast-Paced Action Is Perfectly Suited to Ninja Gaiden
Whenindustry legends like Shinji Mikami, Hideki Kamiya, Tatsuya Minami, and Atsushi Inaba all left Capcom in the 2000s, they founded two separate studios: Seed Inc. and Odd Inc. Eventually, these studios merged in 2007 to become PlatinumGames. The first few years of PlatinumGames' life were incredibly busy, with the studio producing the Wii-exclusiveMadWorldandBayonettaboth in 2009, quickly followed byVanquishin 2010.
These first three games essentially set the tone for PlatinumGames' future, offering fast-paced combat, hyper-stylized action, and plenty of over-the-top visuals and narrative elements. This identity was further cemented withMetal Gear Rising: Revengence’s release in 2013.
Though PlatinumGames has continued to experiment with a few different forms of gameplay over the years, and has even dabbled in a fewlicenses such asTransformers,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and evenStar Fox, its most well-regarded games have often been those that stick with the fast-paced action the studio is best known for. A type of action that perfectly suits theNinja Gaidenformula.
Team Ninja Has Been Working on Ninja Gaiden For Over Two Decades
Though Team Ninja wasn’t the studio that createdNinja Gaiden, it’s become synonymous with the action-adventure franchise, having been the driving force behind the series for the last 20 years. Team Ninja’s 2004Ninja Gaidenrebootbroke new ground for the series, and though the sequels that released in the following years weren’t as well received at the time, they’ve since become core parts of the franchise’s identity.
In the decade-long hiatus betweenNinja Gaiden 3’s release and now, Team Ninja has kept itself busy. From games based on pre-established franchises likeHyrule WarriorsandMarvel Ultimate Alliance 3, to brand-new, original IP releases likeNioh,Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, andlast year’sRise of the Ronin, Team Ninja has continued to hone its craft and expand its scope. Now it’s ready to apply all of that experience toNinja Gaiden 4, something that will hopefully result in the release of the biggest and bestNinja Gaidenentry yet.
WHERE TO PLAY
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
Return of the Legend: Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
Epic Hack and Slash Combat, Evolved: NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
An Ancient Enemy Returns: An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
