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 faced challenges in conceptualization, but discussions involving Koei Tecmo president Hisashi Koinuma, PlatinumGames head Atsushi Inaba, and Xbox's Phil Spencer ultimately led to the partnership. Spencer's involvement dates back to 2017, when initial conversations about a sequel began. PlatinumGames' expertise in fast-paced action titles like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata proved to be the perfect complement to Team Ninja's vision.

The surprise announcement coincided with the release of Ninja Gaiden Master Collection, a remastered version of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC. Early footage showcases Ryu Hayabusa as the protagonist, engaging in intense, signature slasher combat. Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces innovative mechanics, including swift traversal using wires and rails, setting it apart from its predecessors.

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