Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black Surprise Reveal at Xbox Developer Direct 2025

Team Ninja Declares 2025: The Year of the Ninja

The Xbox Developer Direct 2025 unveiled a thrilling surprise: Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. Team Ninja, celebrating its 30th anniversary, declared 2025 "The Year of the Ninja." Producer Fumihiko Yasuda expressed his gratitude and excitement for the series' evolution.

Developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the series' highly anticipated return after a 13-year hiatus since Ninja Gaiden 3 (2012). This direct sequel retains the series' signature blend of brutally challenging yet deeply rewarding gameplay. The Xbox reveal is unsurprising, given the long-standing relationship between Team Ninja and Xbox, with past collaborations including exclusive Dead or Alive titles and Microsoft Game Studios' publishing of Ninja Gaiden 2 for Xbox 360.

Introducing Yakumo: A New Protagonist

Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces Yakumo, a young ninja from the rival Raven clan, striving to become a Master Ninja. PlatinumGames' Art Director, Tomoko Nishii, describes Yakumo's design as aiming to create "someone who can stand alongside Ryu, the pinnacle of what it means to be a ninja."

Producer and Director Yuji Nakao (PlatinumGames) explains the reasoning behind the new protagonist: "Since it’s been a while since the last game, we wanted a new hero to make the series more approachable for new players. Of course, we also wanted long-time fans to enjoy the game, so Ryu Hayabusa plays a significant role in the story, serving as a major challenge and growth milestone for Yakumo." He adds, "Within these unsettling conditions, Yakumo will have to face off against his foes, as well as the formidable Master Ninja himself, Ryu Hayabusa." Rest assured, Ryu Hayabusa remains playable and a central figure in Ninja Gaiden 4.

A New Combat Style for a New Era

Expect breakneck-speed combat with the signature brutality of the Ninja Gaiden series. Ninja Gaiden 4 introduces the Bloodbind Ninjutsu Nue Style alongside Yakumo's Raven Style. Team Ninja Director Masazaku Hirayama assures fans that while distinct from Ryu's style, "the action will feel right at home in the Ninja Gaiden series."

Nakao emphasizes the team's commitment to "staying true to the challenge and deep action that defines the Ninja Gaiden series, while incorporating the speed and dynamic expression of PlatinumGames." The game is currently 70-80% complete and in the polishing phase. Further details are promised soon, along with hands-on opportunities. Yasuda reinforces that Ninja Gaiden 4 is, at its core, a pure action experience.

Ninja Gaiden 4: Fall 2025 Release

Ninja Gaiden 4 launches Fall 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. It will be a day-one Xbox Game Pass title. Yasuda, in an Xbox Wire interview, highlighted Koei Tecmo and PlatinumGames' collaborative effort, stating that "Koei Tecmo’s President, Hisashi Koinuma, and PlatinumGames’ CEO, Atsushi Inaba, share a close relationship, which led us to explore a collaborative development effort. PlatinumGames had the expertise we felt was ideal for working on NINJA GAIDEN."

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black: Available Now

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, a remake of the 2008 Xbox 360 classic, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and included with Xbox Game Pass. It features additional playable characters (Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel), inspired by fan feedback following the 2021 release of the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection. Yasuda explains, "we wanted to give players something to enjoy as they wait for the release of NINJA GAIDEN 4," adding that "this version is crafted to satisfy both those who played the original and newcomers discovering it as a current-generation action game."