Developer Ninja Theory faces a likely studio closure and has started layoffs after owner Xbox failed to sell the studio or arrange its independence.

  • Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty stated that two separate agreements to divest the developer fell through
  • Employees began posting about the layoffs on Monday, initiating consultation on a proposed closure
  • The studio was working on a third Hellblade game titled Senua, expected for 2027
  • The sequel Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 released in 2024

Failed Sale Attempts

Matt Booty, Xbox chief content officer, explained the breakdown of the divestment process. He stated:

"two separate agreements for Ninja Theory"

Matt Booty, Xbox chief content officer

"We will now begin consultation with employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other paths forward"

Matt Booty, Xbox chief content officer

Employee Impact

Staff members shared their reactions on social media as the restructuring began. One developer expressed regret over the unreleased project. A gameplay programmer at Ninja Theory said:

"It’s incredibly sad knowing that we won’t get to finish what we were working on"

Gameplay programmer, Ninja Theory employee

Another staff member addressed the team's dedication to the cancelled work. The same gameplay programmer stated:

"So much care, talent and effort went into it, and I really wish we’d had the chance to see what it could have become"

Gameplay programmer, Ninja Theory employee