Dotemu’s Retro-Inspired Games Set to Energize 2025

Dotemu, a video game studio and publisher established in 2007, has carved out a niche by revitalizing classic games through remakes, remasters, and sequels that honor the spirit of beloved franchises. Known for hits like Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, the company is preparing for a pivotal 2025 with three new titles that blend retro inspiration with modern gameplay.

The upcoming games include Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a fresh side-scroller entry in the iconic franchise; Marvel Cosmic Invasion, an arcade-style beat-’em-up tapping into the popular X-Men universe; and Absolum, an original beat-’em-up with roguelike elements that marks Dotemu’s strategic move to diversify beyond licensed properties.

CEO Cyrille Imbert describes his role as akin to an executive producer, orchestrating concepts that fill gaps in the market. For instance, before Shredder’s Revenge, there was a notable absence of quality side-scrolling TMNT games since 1991’s Turtles in Time. Recognizing this unmet demand, Dotemu took on the financial and creative risks to deliver a game that sold over a million copies in its first week.

Dotemu typically finances projects fully, managing everything from securing franchise licenses to selecting development studios. This approach allows them to maintain creative control while assuming the associated risks. For Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Imbert leveraged his familiarity with the franchise and recent successful action-platformers to partner with Koei Tecmo and The Game Kitchen, creators of Blasphemous, to craft a compelling pitch.

Similarly, Marvel Cosmic Invasion was born from fan demand for a new arcade-style X-Men game. Building on the success of Streets of Rage 4, Dotemu and Tribute Games collaborated to pitch this concept to Marvel Games, aiming to capture the essence of classic arcade beat-’em-ups with a modern polish.

Absolum represents Dotemu’s first fully original title in this lineup, designed to diversify their portfolio and reduce reliance on licensed IPs. Inspired by classic beat-’em-ups and developed in partnership with Guard Crush Games, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, Absolum blends nostalgia with roguelike mechanics to offer a fresh yet familiar experience.

Dotemu’s strategy highlights a thoughtful balance between honoring gaming heritage and innovating within the genre. By identifying market needs and taking on full project responsibility, the company ensures its games resonate with both longtime fans and new players. Their 2025 slate exemplifies this approach, promising a year rich with nostalgia-infused yet fresh gaming experiences.