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Xbox moves to close Hellblade studio Ninja Theory after two sale deals collapse

Microsoft begins closure consultation with Ninja Theory staff just three months after unveiling the studio's new Hellblade game, Senua.

newest coverage 1d agosummary written 1d ago17 pieces4 likes & upvotes NewswiresGoogle NewsBluesky

What to know

  • Two separate agreements to sell or save Ninja Theory fell through, prompting Xbox to begin consultation on a proposed studio closure.
  • The move comes just three months after Ninja Theory unveiled its new Hellblade game, Senua, at Microsoft's summer showcase.
  • Ninja Theory was one of four Xbox studios spun off this year; unlike Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Undead Labs, it was not sold back to management.
  • Arkane Studios faces a similar closure consultation that Microsoft says will continue through the end of the year.

“Today, our focus should be on supporting those affected and treating one another with care and respect. I will spend time with our studios over the next week. At our October 6 town hall, we will come together as an All-Xbox team to reflect on our progress and look ahead to one of the strongest game lineups in our history.”

Matt Booty, Xbox chief content officer · Xbox Wire blog post via Eurogamer ↗ · Sep 21

Matt Booty Xbox chief content officerNinja Theory Hellblade developer facing closureArkane Studios Another Xbox studio facing closure

Xbox moves to close Hellblade studio Ninja Theory after two sale deals collapse
eurogamer.net

How it unfolded 4 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articles

Peak 13 pieces in one hour at Sep 22, 9 AM; 17 pieces over 43 hours (16 articles · 1 post) Sep 22, 9 AM — 13 pieces · 13 articles — Newswires 8, Google News 5Sep 22, 10 AM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Google News 2Sep 22, 11 AM — 2 pieces · 1 article · 1 post — Bluesky 1, Newswires 1Sep 22, 12 PM — quietSep 22, 1 PM — quietSep 22, 2 PM — quietSep 22, 3 PM — quietSep 22, 4 PM — quietSep 22, 5 PM — quietSep 22, 6 PM — quietSep 22, 7 PM — quietSep 22, 8 PM — quietSep 22, 9 PM — quietSep 22, 10 PM — quietSep 22, 11 PM — quietYesterday, 12 AM — quietYesterday, 1 AM — quietYesterday, 2 AM — quietYesterday, 3 AM — quietYesterday, 4 AM — quietYesterday, 5 AM — quietYesterday, 6 AM — quietYesterday, 7 AM — quietYesterday, 8 AM — quietYesterday, 9 AM — quietYesterday, 10 AM — quietYesterday, 11 AM — quietYesterday, 12 PM — quietYesterday, 1 PM — quietYesterday, 2 PM — quietYesterday, 3 PM — quietYesterday, 4 PM — quietYesterday, 5 PM — quietYesterday, 6 PM — quietYesterday, 7 PM — quietYesterday, 8 PM — quietYesterday, 9 PM — quietYesterday, 10 PM — quietYesterday, 11 PM — quietToday, 12 AM — quietToday, 1 AM — quietToday, 2 AM — quietToday, 3 AM — quiet 1–4
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  1. 4

    Eurogamer corrects headline, clarifying closure is still 'proposed'

    Eurogamer revised its initial headline stating Ninja Theory 'will be shut down' to reflect that Xbox's announcement only confirms consultation has begun on a 'proposed closure' while other options are still being explored.

    1. 2 outlets Xbox Warns That Ninja Theory Could Be Closed As Two Agreements Fall Through

      first by Pure Xbox, 1d ago · also Eurogamer

      2 more headlines
  2. 3

    Coverage details Ninja Theory's status among other spun-off Xbox studios

    Kotaku reported Ninja Theory was one of four smaller Xbox Game Studios teams spun out this year; while Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Undead Labs were sold back to management, Ninja Theory's fate remains unresolved and Arkane faces a similar closure consultation.

    “Consultation with Arkane remains underway and is expected to continue through the end of the year.”
    — Matt Booty
    1. 1 outlet Xbox Working Toward Closing Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory After Multiple Deals Fall Through

      first by Kotaku, 1d ago

  3. 2

    Xbox announces consultation on Ninja Theory's proposed closure

    Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty published an Xbox Wire post stating two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through and that consultation with employees on a proposed closure would begin, as part of a wider round of Xbox layoffs and studio cuts.

    “Unfortunately, two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through. We will now begin consultation with employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other paths forward.”
    — Matt Booty
  4. 1

    Microsoft signals intention to close Ninja Theory

    IGN reported Microsoft's intention to close down the Hellblade studio after two deals meant to save it collapsed.

    1. 3 outlets Ninja Theory Now Expected To Close As Deal Falls Apart

      first by GameSpot, 1d ago · also Insider Gaming, IGN

      2 more headlines
    2. 2 outlets Ninja Theory Seems Set to Close After Two Potential Deals Fall Through

      first by DayOne, 1d ago · also IGN

      1 more headline
  5. background

    Microsoft puts Ninja Theory up for sale within a month of Senua reveal — Despite just unveiling Senua, Microsoft put Ninja Theory up for sale; a source told Game File the Senua reveal was meant to help promote the brand ahead of finding a buyer.

  6. background

    Ninja Theory is spun off and appears to secure a partner during initial Xbox cuts — During Microsoft's first wave of Xbox studio and job cuts in July, Ninja Theory seemed to survive by entering a partnership with an unnamed company, unlike other studios that were shut outright.

  7. background

    Ninja Theory reveals new Hellblade game Senua at Xbox showcase — Ninja Theory announced Senua, described as a larger, more expansive entry in the Hellblade series, at an Xbox Games Showcase, even as the studio was reportedly already being prepared for a sale.

Also covered reported alongside — the timeline has no entry for these yet

  1. 1 outlet “I'm still blown away by the amount of talent”: Hellblade devs Ninja Theory face closure after Microsoft fail to reach a deal with buyers

    first by Rock, Paper, Shotgun, 1d ago

    1 more headline

and 1 smaller piece