The Ninja Gaiden franchise is back thanks to Phil Spencer

Team Ninja's long-awaited Ninja Gaiden 4 is finally in development, thanks to a collaborative effort between Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo, and PlatinumGames. Producer Fumihiko Yasuda revealed that the project had been in the works for years, hampered by indecision on the game's concept. The collaboration was spearheaded by Phil Spencer, who suggested the three studios combine their expertise.

Spencer confirmed discussions began as early as 2017, eventually leading to the partnership with PlatinumGames, renowned for their high-octane action titles like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata. This collaboration seemed a perfect fit, addressing Team Ninja's previous creative hurdles.

The surprise announcement came alongside the unexpected release of Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, a remastered version of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, now available on Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Initial trailers showcase Ryu Hayabusa's return as the protagonist, promising a thrilling action-slasher experience. Gameplay footage highlights new mechanics, including agile traversal using wires and rails, setting Ninja Gaiden 4 apart from its predecessors.

While DOOM: The Dark Ages dominated the Developer_Direct event, the reveal of Ninja Gaiden 4, a highly anticipated title in Koei Tecmo's acclaimed franchise, generated significant buzz. The game is slated for release in Fall 2025.