Ninja Theory Faces Proposed Closure Amid Xbox Layoffs
Ninja Theory, known for the Hellblade series, is entering a consultation phase regarding its potential closure as part of a new wave of layoffs at Xbox. The studio's situation worsened after two agreements fell through, leaving it without an owner.
Consultation for Proposed Closure
Ninja Theory, the developer behind acclaimed titles such as Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, is facing a proposed closure as part of significant layoffs announced by Xbox. The consultation process will commence with employees as the studio explores other potential paths forward.
This grim news follows a recent Xbox Wire blog post by Matt Booty, Xbox's chief content officer, which disclosed that two separate agreements for Ninja Theory had collapsed. The studio, previously thought to have a secure future following Xbox’s earlier cuts, is now left in a precarious position without an owner.
Impact on Upcoming Projects
Ninja Theory was actively developing Senua, a new entry in the Hellblade series, which was announced just last June at the Xbox Games Showcase. This upcoming game was anticipated to be larger and more expansive than its predecessors. However, the collapse of partnerships has led to uncertainty about the studio's ability to continue operations.
In light of these developments, the focus for Xbox is on supporting affected employees while reflecting on the broader implications of the layoffs. During an upcoming town hall on October 6, Xbox aims to discuss their progress and future plans for a strong game lineup.