Fresh gameplay footage for Ninja Gaiden 4 surfaced yesterday, with YouTuber GamersPrey posting a 60-minute raw showcase free of commentary. The video offers long-awaited confirmation to enthusiasts who doubted the series’ return after an 11-year hiatus. This skepticism stems from Ninja Gaiden 3’s mixed critical reception following its 2012 debut.

Reviving the franchise is a joint effort between veteran studio Team Ninja and action-game specialists PlatinumGames, creators of acclaimed titles like Astral Chain and Nier: Automata. The collaboration marks a strategic fusion of expertise from both developers.

During a conversation on the Iron Lords Podcast, Team Ninja’s Director Masakazu Hirayama detailed the partnership’s origins:

For Team Ninja, the Ninja Gaiden series holds immense significance. Discussions began when our leadership connected with PlatinumGames’ executives – Mr. Ono and Mr. Inaba – who share a professional history. Recognizing Platinum’s mastery in crafting fluid combat systems, uniting our teams for this project became an exciting prospect. Microsoft’s involvement through Xbox Game Studios provided further momentum, creating a powerful triad for development.

Initially revealed during Xbox Developer Direct 2025, Ninja Gaiden 4 is scheduled for release on October 21 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. Xbox and PC players gain immediate access via Game Pass, with Microsoft handling global distribution as an Xbox Game Studios publication.