Overview
Tecmo’s action specialists. Team Ninja formed around Dead or Alive development and became synonymous with technical excellence and demanding difficulty. Under Itagaki’s direction, they revived Ninja Gaiden to critical acclaim. Post-Itagaki, the studio expanded beyond their core franchises, collaborating on Nioh, Fire Emblem Warriors, and other projects.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1995.
- Parent: Tecmo (now Koei Tecmo).
- Founder: Tomonobu Itagaki.
- Post-Itagaki: Yosuke Hayashi.
Dead or Alive series
| Title | Year | Platform |
|---|
| Dead or Alive | 1996 | Arcade |
| DOA2 | 1999 | Multi |
| DOA5 | 2012 | Multi |
| DOA6 | 2019 | Multi |
Ninja Gaiden revival
| Title | Year | Reception |
|---|
| Ninja Gaiden | 2004 | Acclaimed |
| Ninja Gaiden Sigma | 2007 | PS3 port |
| Ninja Gaiden 3 | 2012 | Mixed |
Expanded portfolio
| Title | Year | Type |
|---|
| Nioh | 2017 | Souls-like |
| Fire Emblem Warriors | 2017 | Musou |
| Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 | 2019 | Action RPG |
Studio evolution
| Era | Focus |
|---|
| Itagaki (1995-2008) | DOA, Ninja Gaiden |
| Hayashi (2008+) | Expanded collaborations |
| Modern | Diverse output |
See also