# Ninja Gaiden 4: Xbox’s Daring Comeback of an Iconic Franchise

The gaming community was caught off guard during Xbox’s January Developer Direct when *Ninja Gaiden 4* was unveiled as the star attraction of the event. This legendary action series is making a long-anticipated comeback, and it is also being released by Xbox, marking a pivotal point for both the franchise and Microsoft’s gaming strategy. The announcement has generated excitement among fans and industry professionals, signaling a bold new path for Xbox and a fresh chapter for the *Ninja Gaiden* narrative.

## Xbox’s First-Party Assurance for *Ninja Gaiden 4*

After the reveal, a user on X (previously Twitter) inquired with Aaron Greenberg, Xbox’s VP of Marketing, about whether *Ninja Gaiden 4* qualifies as a first-party title. Greenberg affirmed, saying, “Yes, it is indeed a first-party XGS [Xbox Game Studios] published title for us, and we have truly enjoyed collaborating with those teams on this game/announcement.” This confirmation solidifies *Ninja Gaiden 4* as a significant part of Xbox Game Studios’ expanding collection of first-party offerings.

Greenberg also pointed fans to the official Xbox Wire announcement, which provides more insight into the game’s development process. In the announcement, Fumihiko Yasuda, leader of Team Ninja, shared details on the partnership that brought the project to fruition. Yasuda disclosed that PlatinumGames, renowned for their prowess in high-octane action titles such as *Bayonetta* and *Nier: Automata*, was instrumental in the creation of *Ninja Gaiden 4*.

“PlatinumGames brought the expertise we deemed essential for working on *Ninja Gaiden*, and with backing from Microsoft’s Phil-san [Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming], the three companies were able to make significant strides toward crafting a brand-new *Ninja Gaiden*,” Yasuda elaborated. This collaboration among Team Ninja, PlatinumGames, and Xbox highlights the combined efforts fueling the game’s resurgence.

## A New Chapter for Xbox Publishing

The choice for Xbox to take on the publication of *Ninja Gaiden 4* represents a broader transformation in the company’s gaming philosophy. In the past two years, Xbox has shifted away from a strict emphasis on console exclusives, opting instead for a model that positions it as a third-party publisher as well. This change was evident during the Developer Direct, where three of the four showcased games — including *Ninja Gaiden 4* — were confirmed to launch across multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

This cross-platform approach marks a significant shift from Xbox’s earlier exclusivity focus and indicates a more inclusive gaming strategy. By publishing *Ninja Gaiden 4* and making it accessible on competing platforms, Xbox is expressing its desire to connect with a wider audience and establish itself as a key player in the global gaming arena.

## The Heritage of *Ninja Gaiden* and Its Comeback

The *Ninja Gaiden* series has been long revered for its fast-paced combat, challenging gameplay, and stylish action sequences. Originally launched in 1988, the franchise reached new heights with the debut of *Ninja Gaiden* (2004) and its sequels, which set new standards for action games. However, the series has remained inactive since the release of *Ninja Gaiden 3* in 2012, leaving enthusiasts yearning for its return.

The announcement of *Ninja Gaiden 4* marks a significant moment for the franchise, and its prominence as the highlight of Xbox’s first major showcase of the year underscores its significance. Revitalizing a cherished franchise like *Ninja Gaiden* is a formidable task, and Xbox’s choice to feature this announcement suggests a renewed commitment to delivering high-quality, beloved games.

Alongside *Ninja Gaiden 4*, the Developer Direct also introduced an upgraded edition of the series’ second title, named *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black*. This remastered version is now accessible on PS5, Xbox, and PC, enabling both devoted fans and newcomers to enjoy one of the franchise’s most celebrated entries in a contemporary format.

## Anticipations for *Ninja Gaiden 4*

While information regarding *Ninja Gaiden 4* is still limited, the involvement of Team Ninja, PlatinumGames, and Xbox Game Studios raises expectations high. Fans can expect the return of the franchise’s trademark fast-paced combat, complex level design, and harsh difficulty. Given PlatinumGames’ expertise in crafting smooth and dynamic action experiences, *Ninja Gaiden 4* may introduce new gameplay mechanics and innovations that advance the series while remaining loyal to its origins.

Scheduled for release in Fall 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, fans are eagerly awaiting.