Microsoft Secures 'Senua' Trademark as Ninja Theory Faces Closure

Key points

• Microsoft filed a trademark for the term 'Senua' on September 15, 2026, distinct from existing trademarks for 'Senua's Saga' and 'Senua's Sacrifice'.
• Xbox announced the proposed closure of Ninja Theory after two separate sale agreements failed to materialize.
• The closure is part of a wider restructuring involving 268 layoffs across Halo Studios and other management layers.
• Halo development is being transferred to Activision, while Bethesda will assume control of Obsidian and King will take over Microsoft Casual Games.
• Playground Games and Turn 10 are merging to collaborate on Forza and Fable titles.

Background

Ninja Theory was part of a major restructuring earlier in 2026, alongside studios like Double Fine and Compulsion Games. Unlike those studios, which maintained rights to their intellectual properties, Ninja Theory is now facing closure. The studio had previously been working on a larger new entry in the Hellblade series, which was revealed as an ad hoc advertisement for the studio itself. The current situation follows a series of failed attempts to find a new publisher or buyer for the studio.

How outlets are covering it

Insider Gaming highlights the strategic nature of the trademark filing, suggesting Microsoft is protecting itself from IP infringement and potentially planning future projects for the franchise without Ninja Theory. GamesBeat emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the studio's fate, noting that while Compulsion and Double Fine successfully spun off, Ninja Theory and Arkane are facing more difficult outcomes. GamesBeat also questions whether the Senua game will move forward in production if the studio closes. ixbt.games cites David Jaffe, creator of God of War, who believes Xbox's decision to close the studio is natural given its lack of recent output. Currently.com focuses on the broader impact of the closure on the studio's legacy, including its PS3 and PS4 titles, though specific details from this source are limited due to technical issues in the provided text.

Why it matters

The closure of Ninja Theory and the securing of the Senua trademark signal a significant shift in Microsoft's approach to its gaming portfolio. It indicates a move towards consolidating control over key intellectual properties, even if it means shutting down the studios that created them. This could impact the future of the Hellblade series and other franchises, as well as the careers of the 268 employees affected by the layoffs. The broader restructuring also affects other major franchises like Halo, which is now under Activision's purview, potentially changing the direction and development of these iconic games.

What to watch

Microsoft will begin consultations with Ninja Theory employees regarding the proposed closure, while continuing to explore other paths forward. The outcome of these consultations will determine whether the studio closes or if alternative arrangements are made. Additionally, the transfer of Halo to Activision and the merger of Playground Games and Turn 10 will likely lead to new developments in these franchises in the coming months. The fate of the Senua game and other Ninja Theory projects will depend on whether Microsoft finds a new publisher or developer for the intellectual property.