Dead or Alive (Japanese: デッド オア アライブ, Hepburn: Deddo oa Araibu) (DOA) is a media franchise based on a fighting game series developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo (Koei Tecmo). It is primarily composed of fast-paced fighting games that began with the original Dead or Alive in 1996. The series received critical and universal acclaim with the sequels Dead or Alive 2 in 1999 and Dead or Alive 3 in 2001, which are both considered landmark titles in the fighting genre and gaming. Dead or Alive is the creation of Tomonobu Itagaki, who developed the first four installments but has since left the company and is no longer working on the series, which continues without him.
The series revolves around the events of the Dead or Alive World Combat Championship, an international martial arts tournament where fighters from across the globe participate in for the title of world champion and large cash prizes. The tournaments are held by the Dead or Alive Tournament Executive Committee (DOATEC). The conflict between the ninja competitors and DOATEC's personnel serves as the main focus of the series.
Dead or Alive has been well praised for its impressive fighting system, beautiful graphics, and interactive environments. The franchise consists of six main fighting games, numerous updates, spin-offs, printed media, a film adaptation, and merchandise. In addition to its fast-paced combat, beautiful environments and countering-based play system, the franchise is also known for its female characters. This aspect of the series' popularity led to the creation of the spin-off game Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball and its sequels, where the female characters and their sex appeal play a more focal role than it does in the core Dead or Alive series. Several characters of the series have made appearances and are referenced in other games. Several games of the series have also been featured and referenced in other media. The success of the series sparked a renewal interest in the Ninja Gaiden series. The film adaptation, DOA: Dead or Alive, was released in 2006. As of 2016, the franchise has sold over 9.7 million units worldwide.
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