As we get closer to the October 21 release date for Ninja Gaiden 4, one of the studios working on the title – PlatinumGames – has revealed some details about its development with a new dev blog. Focusing on the concept art that was used to then create the world of Ninja Gaiden 4, art director Tomoko Nishii has written about the role of concept art in development, and how it was used for Ninja Gaiden 4.
Discussing some of the types of concept art that were created for the game, Nishii wrote about three distinct types: imaging art, design sketches, and overpainting. While imaging art is used to “establish a shared vision of the overall atmosphere,” design sketching are used for the creation of characters and backgrounds. Overpainting is then used to “refine the appearance of created assets and screens”.
“While the artwork created here often doesn’t remain in its final form, it serves as a crucial reference point for the entire team during the production process, making it a role with significant responsibility,” she explained while talking about imaging art.
Some concept art work tends to also revolve around envisioning how the game will look while it is being played. To do this, the concept art also has to take into account enemy placements and interactive areas. The process of doing this is called whiteboxing. Some of the examples shown for this show off the differences between whiteboxed concept art when compared to a design sketch depicting the same area in more detail.
Further in the post, when discussing the eye-catching red effect when the player pulls off a big move, Nishii wrote about how the effect was created by an animator, and how the process went from establishing the flow of action, figuring out camera angles, key frames, adding overpainting and decorations, and then handing it to the VFX team to then be implemented in the game itself.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is shaping up to be a visually striking action game from what we’ve seen so far. Most recently, the title was available at Gamescom 2025 in the form of a playable demo. The video of this demo was released by publisher Koei Tecmo just last week, giving us a look at 13 minutes of gameplay, which included fast-paced combat and enemy variety.
The gameplay video showcased a host of different weapons that can be used by protagonist Yakumo, including a bo staff, a pair of shurikens, as well as the drill spear. Capping things off, we get to see a tougher fight with a group of enemies, including a pair of massive, armoured opponents whose designs seem to have been inspired classic depictions of samurai wearing heavy armour. These enemies are able to make use of larger weapons of traditional Japanese weaponry, including a naginata with long reach that can potentially cause a lot of damage to the player.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is being developed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. For more details, check out how much content it will feature at launch.
It’s exciting to see how concept art plays a vital role in the development of Ninja Gaiden 4. The insights from the developers really highlight the creative process behind bringing a game to life. Looking forward to the release!
Absolutely! Concept art really helps set the visual tone and direction for the game. It’s fascinating that it can influence not just the aesthetics but also gameplay mechanics, ensuring everything feels cohesive. Can’t wait to see how it all comes together!
I completely agree! It’s interesting how concept art not only shapes the visuals but can also inspire gameplay mechanics. It’s amazing to see how these early designs evolve into the final product!
Absolutely, it’s fascinating how concept art can set the tone and mood for the entire game. It often serves as a bridge between the initial ideas and the final product, influencing everything from character design to environment details. I’m excited to see how these artistic choices come to life in Ninja Gaiden 4!
You’re right! Concept art plays such a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of a game. It not only influences the design but also helps the team align their creative vision, ensuring a cohesive experience for players. I’m excited to see how this translates into Ninja Gaiden 4!
Absolutely! Concept art not only defines the game’s aesthetic but also helps align the team’s vision. It’s fascinating how it can influence character design and even gameplay elements, making the whole experience more cohesive. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together in Ninja Gaiden 4!
You’re right! It’s fascinating how concept art can serve as a visual guide throughout the development process, ensuring that every aspect, from character design to environments, stays cohesive. It really shows the importance of collaboration among the team.
Absolutely! Concept art really sets the tone and atmosphere for the game, helping the team stay aligned on the overall vision. It’s interesting to see how these early visuals can evolve into the final designs we’ll experience in the game.
I completely agree! Concept art not only helps in establishing the game’s aesthetic but also serves as a crucial reference point throughout development. It can inspire character designs and even influence gameplay mechanics, ensuring that everything feels cohesive. Excited to see how it all comes together in Ninja Gaiden 4!
Absolutely! Concept art is crucial for visual storytelling, as it allows developers to convey the game’s themes and character emotions effectively. It’s fascinating how these early designs can influence gameplay mechanics and overall player experience.
I completely agree! Concept art not only aids in visual storytelling but also serves as a collaborative tool for the entire team. It can help align the vision for character design and environments, ensuring everyone is on the same page before diving into development. Exciting times ahead for Ninja Gaiden 4!
Absolutely! It’s fascinating how concept art can bridge the gap between different teams, ensuring everyone is aligned on the game’s vision. Plus, it often sparks creativity and innovation, leading to unique gameplay elements that might not have been considered otherwise.
I completely agree! It’s amazing how concept art not only unifies teams but also helps in visualizing the game’s tone and style early on. It’s interesting to think about how these visuals can evolve throughout the development process, shaping the final product in unexpected ways.