Dead or Alive’s 30th Anniversary will be marked by two new games in the fighting game series. Here’s what Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo announced during the February 2026 PlayStation State of Play.
Dead or Alive "New Project" and DOA6 Last Round Announced
Dead or Alive Now Alive, Not Dead
Dead or Alive (DOA) is officially turning 30 this year, so developer Team Ninja is marking the occasion with two big projects: a new mainline game in development and an updated release of DOA6, dubbed Last Round. The announcements were made during the February 2026 PlayStation State of Play earlier today.
As a primer, Dead or Alive first launched in 1996 and quickly became one of the defining 3D fighting game franchises of the time. Even though the series has seen multiple sequels and spin-offs over the years, its last mainline entry, DOA6, released in 2019. Ever since updates for that game ceased in 2020, fans have been waiting for signs of what comes next. According to series producer Yosuke Hayashi in a press release on the PlayStation Blog, the anniversary provided the right moment to confirm that a new DOA title is now in active development at Team Ninja
"I’m excited to finally give fans some answers as the franchise is very much alive and kicking," started Hayashi.
Details about the upcoming seventh game remain limited. The reveal came with a short teaser that shows Hayabusa fighting with Kasumi and reinforces that the project is meant to celebrate the franchise’s long history.
Koei Tecmo has not confirmed a release window, official title, or gameplay direction yet, but they have positioned the project as the "next chapter" for the series. Fans have already dubbed it as Dead or Alive 7, but the publisher has not formally named it; they’re referring to it instead as a "New Project" under the Dead or Alive name.
Dead or Alive 6 Last Round Releases June 25th
Alongside the new game, Koei Tecmo also announced DOA6 Last Round, an updated version of the 2019 fighter that will launch on PC. PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on June 25, 2026. This release is described as a definitive edition of DOA6 that bundles previously released downloadable content with technical improvements and new features for current hardware.
As per Hayashi, "Dead or Alive 6: Last Round features 29 playable characters." It combines the original lineup with five fighters that were previously available only through DLC. The game includes several characters with multiple unlockable costumes, and Team NINJA plans to add more fighters and outfits as post-launch updates.
The updated release will have a new photo mode, which allows players to "capture every angle of their favorite fighters in action." This feature aligns with broader trends in modern fighting games, where replay tools and shareable content have become an expected part of the package. The updated release will benefit from smoother performance and visual upgrades compared to the original version, though Koei Tecmo has not yet shared detailed technical specs.
In an effort to widen the player base, DOA6 Last Round will also launch with a free-to-play edition on the same day as the full release. The free version will grant access to four playable characters (Kasumi, NICO, Marie Rose, and Honoka) along with select online modes such as DOA Quest and DOA Central. Players using the free version will still be able to compete online against those who own the full game to lower the bar to entry for newcomers and returning fans alike.
The past few years have seen Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo working on different types of games like Nioh and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. However, as the series' 30th-anniversary celebrations continue, fans can expect more information regarding the seventh game. For now, the focus remains on June 25, when the gates open for players to jump back into the ring with DOA6 Last Round.
Source:
PlayStation Blog | Dead or Alive 6 Last Round launches on PS5 June 25, new game also in development
PlayStation on YouTube | Dead or Alive 6 Last Round - Announcement Trailer
PlayStation on YouTube | Dead or Alive New Project - Teaser Trailer
