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Ninja Theory

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Ninja Theory Layoffs Begin as Xbox Closure Process Advances
video-games3 days ago

Ninja Theory Layoffs Begin as Xbox Closure Process Advances

Ninja Theory, the Cambridge-based studio behind the 'Hellblade' series, has begun laying off staff following the collapse of two sale agreements with Xbox. Employees have publicly confirmed redundancies on LinkedIn, expressing grief over the unfinished third 'Hellblade' game, 'Senua.' While Xbox has initiated a consultation process for potential closure, it claims to still be exploring other options. The studio was originally slated to survive a major Xbox restructuring in July, but failed divestiture attempts have led to this current phase of job cuts.

Microsoft Secures 'Senua' Trademark as Ninja Theory Faces Closure
gaming-industry16 days ago

Microsoft Secures 'Senua' Trademark as Ninja Theory Faces Closure

Microsoft filed a new trademark for 'Senua' on September 15, 2026, just days before announcing the proposed closure of developer Ninja Theory. This move suggests Microsoft intends to retain control of the Hellblade intellectual property despite the studio's shutdown. The closure follows the collapse of two separate sale agreements and is part of a broader Xbox restructuring that includes 268 layoffs and the transfer of the Halo franchise to Activision. While other studios like Double Fine and Compulsion Games successfully spun off with their IPs intact, Ninja Theory’s future remains uncertain, with potential implications for the unannounced next entry in the series.

Xbox Shifts Halo Development to Activision Amid Further Layoffs and Studio Closures
technology16 days ago

Xbox Shifts Halo Development to Activision Amid Further Layoffs and Studio Closures

Microsoft’s Xbox division is transferring development of the next Halo game to Activision while cutting 268 additional jobs. This move is part of a broader restructuring that includes the proposed closure of Ninja Theory and the consolidation of several other studios, such as merging Bethesda with Obsidian and combining Playground Games with Turn 10. Activision will also take over Rare and World’s Edge, signaling a significant shift in the management of Xbox’s flagship franchises.

Xbox Game Studios Restructures: Rare and Halo Move to Activision, Ninja Theory Closure Proposed, 268 Roles Cut
gaming18 days ago

Xbox Game Studios Restructures: Rare and Halo Move to Activision, Ninja Theory Closure Proposed, 268 Roles Cut

Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios is reshaping its portfolio: Rare and the Halo IP will transfer to Activision, Ninja Theory is slated for closure after failed sale attempts, and about 268 roles have been cut across Halo Studios and other teams as part of a broader corporate reset, with Undead Labs moving to a new publisher to release State of Decay 3 and other studio realignments continuing.

Xbox’s Studio Reset Sparks Uncertain Futures for Core Teams
business3 months ago

Xbox’s Studio Reset Sparks Uncertain Futures for Core Teams

Bloomberg reports Microsoft is negotiating with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory to avert closures as Xbox undergoes a company-wide reset with layoffs and leadership changes; Ninja Theory canceled Mara while still pursuing Hellblade’s Senua project, Compulsion’s South of Midnight may be shut down, and executives Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor left with Matt Booty set to take over Duncan’s duties.

Xbox Studio Shakeup: Reports say multiple studios seek independence from Microsoft
business3 months ago

Xbox Studio Shakeup: Reports say multiple studios seek independence from Microsoft

Bloomberg reports several Microsoft-owned Xbox studios—including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory—are negotiating buybacks to regain independence to avert closures, amid a broader leadership and budget reset under new Xbox leadership. The Verge and Kotaku corroborate that some studios are at risk and that staff have been briefed on potential shutdowns, signaling a potentially drastic reconfiguration of the Xbox lineup.