Nioh 3 isn’t trying to be an Elden Ring behemoth: producer says with a true open-world map “it would no longer be Nioh 3,” but tighter “open-field” design makes it shine

by

The State of Play event last night left me in awe, as it’s clear to me that Team Ninja never slows down. They launched Rise of the Ronin about a year ago, and since then they’ve released Ninja Gaiden 2 Black and a new Dead or Alive dating simulator. On top of that, they’re currently developing Ninja Gaiden 4 in collaboration with Platinum Games. And now, to top it all off, they’ve announced the development of Nioh 3!

Although Nioh 3 is set for release, its creators, Team Ninja, have clarified that it won’t adopt an open-world format like Rise of the Ronin. In an interview with 4Gamer (translated by Automaton), the game’s producer Fumihiko Yasuda explained that they’ve opted for what they refer to as “open-field” design instead, which is different from a traditional open world.

As an ardent enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement over the anticipated sequel to the Nioh series. Unlike its predecessors, which were more linear in design, this new installment is set to offer a more expansive, interconnected world for us players to traverse freely. The mastermind behind this decision, Yasuda, has revealed that the studio aimed to create a “seamlessly connected Nioh” experience, fostering an environment where exploration and strategy are the keys to success.

Regarding a true open-world setting for Nioh 3, Yasuda stated that the team believes this style would clash with Nioh’s essence. He characterized it as “a challenging, trial-and-error experience” and explained that if they were to reduce the map’s density to accommodate an open world, it wouldn’t be Nioh 3 anymore. If they’re making Nioh 3, the gameplay’s intricacy and attention to detail are essential, Yasuda emphasized.

In the development of Nioh 3, the team is adding specific areas known as ‘Hells’. These zones, nestled within a larger map, are intensely packed and demanding, mirroring the difficulty level of original Nioh stages. According to Team Ninja, these Hells serve as ‘high-stakes, high-reward zones’ and are tainted by the strong spiritual energy of yokai.

However, you’ll have the chance to verify this for yourself as Nioh 3, due for release in 2026, already has its demo accessible today. If you manage to take a break from your Switch 2 excitement.

Read More

2025-06-05 17:10