Ninja Gaiden 4 Revealed at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

The long-awaited Ninja Gaiden 4 alongside Ninja Gaiden 2 Black made surprise appearances during Xbox Developer Direct 2025. Discover details about the new installment's gameplay and anticipated release window.

Ninja Gaiden Announcements Steal the Show at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Team Ninja Announces 2025 As The Year Of The Ninja

During the Xbox Developer Direct 2025 broadcast, Team Ninja unveiled both Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black as the previously hinted "surprise Japanese IP." The developer marks its 30th anniversary this year by declaring 2025 as "The Year of the Ninja." Fumihiko Yasuda, Team Ninja Head and Ninja Gaiden 4 Producer at Koei Tecmo, expressed excitement about the franchise's evolution and hopes fans share their enthusiasm.

A collaborative project between Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 represents the franchise's first mainline entry in 13 years since Ninja Gaiden 3 (2012). The game continues the series' tradition of delivering brutally challenging yet rewarding gameplay while serving as a direct sequel to its predecessor.

The Xbox event reveal aligns with Team Ninja's historical partnership with Microsoft, having previously released Dead or Alive exclusives and the Microsoft Game Studios-published Ninja Gaiden 2 for Xbox 360.

New Hero Joins the Ninja Gaiden Legacy

Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan aspiring to Master Ninja status. PlatinumGames Art Director Tomoko Nishii explained their vision: "We designed Yakumo to stand alongside series icon Ryu Hayabusa as the embodiment of ninja excellence."

PlatinumGames' Producer/Director Yuji Nakao shared development insights: "After this extended hiatus, we wanted a fresh protagonist to welcome new players while respecting veterans. Ryu Hayabusa remains crucial to the narrative, presenting significant challenges for Yakumo's growth."

Yakumo will confront both enemies and the legendary Hayabusa himself, though fans can rest assured Ryu remains playable with substantial presence throughout the experience.

Innovative Combat System Debuts

The game maintains the series' signature high-speed, brutal combat while introducing the Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style. Team Ninja Director Masazaku Hirayama noted: "Yakumo distinguishes himself with dual combat styles - Raven and Nue - while maintaining authentic Ninja Gaiden action."

Nakao elaborated: "We're preserving the series' challenging depth while infusing PlatinumGames' trademark speed and fluid expression." Development currently stands at 70-80% completion, entering the polishing phase with more details to follow. Yasuda reaffirmed the game's action focus and promised hands-on opportunities for fans.

Fall 2025 Release Confirmed

Announced for Fall 2025 in its debut trailer, Yasuda revealed in an Xbox Wire interview how the collaboration materialized: "Koei Tecmo President Hisashi Koinuma and PlatinumGames CEO Atsushi Inaba's strong relationship enabled this partnership. PlatinumGames possesses the ideal expertise for Ninja Gaiden."

The game launches simultaneously on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, with Xbox Game Pass day-one availability. Wishlisting is now open - visit our dedicated Ninja Gaiden 4 page for updates.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Launches Immediately

The enhanced remake of Xbox 360's Ninja Gaiden 2 (2008) arrives immediately on current-gen platforms and Xbox Game Pass. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black introduces Sigma 2's additional playable characters - Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel.

Yasuda explained the project originated from fan feedback during the 2021 Master Collection release: "We wanted to provide an authentic Ninja Gaiden 2 experience while bridging the wait for N4. This version honors original players while welcoming newcomers to a modern action masterpiece."

Visit our Ninja Gaiden 2 Black page for complete details about this current-gen revival.