Live Feeds
● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 23 sources tracked

Xbox is closing down Hellblade creator Ninja Theory

Microsoft’s Xbox division has confirmed the closure of Ninja Theory, the studio behind *Hellblade* and *Senua’s Saga*, with staff informed on Monday. Reports indicate Compulsion Games and Double Fine are also under threat, while Arkane remains in buyout talks. The moves mark deeper restructuring as Xbox evaluates sustainability and potential spinoff plans. Job losses are expected unless studios secure independence or buyers.

RSS Source map (23)

What changed

Ninja Theory’s closure is now confirmed by multiple sources, including direct staff notifications, while Compulsion and Double Fine’s status remains unconfirmed but widely reported.

Live updates

  1. Xbox shuts down Ninja Theory amid broader studio cuts

    Microsoft’s Xbox division has confirmed the closure of Ninja Theory, the studio behind *Hellblade* and *Senua’s Saga*, with staff informed on Monday. Reports indicate Compulsion Games and Double Fine are also under threat, while Arkane remains in buyout talks. The moves mark deeper restructuring as Xbox evaluates sustainability and potential spinoff plans. Job losses are expected unless studios secure independence or buyers.

    What's confirmed:

    • Ninja Theory staff were informed of the studio’s closure in a call on Monday, leaving them to seek a buyer or independent path.
    • Xbox is expanding cuts across its first-party studios, with Ninja Theory’s shutdown announced days after revealing its next game, *South of Midnight*.
    • The closures follow broader restructuring efforts at Xbox, including potential spinoff discussions for the division.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Compulsion Games and Double Fine are reportedly at risk of shutdowns, though no official confirmation has been made.
    • Heavy job losses are likely unless the affected studios secure independence or external acquisition.
    confidence 92%

  2. Xbox shuts down Ninja Theory; other studios face closure risks

    Microsoft’s Xbox division is closing Ninja Theory, the studio behind *Hellblade*, with staff informed of the decision on Monday. Compulsion Games and Double Fine are reportedly at risk of shutdowns, while Arkane is in buyout talks. The moves follow broader restructuring as Xbox seeks sustainability amid potential spinoff plans.

    What's confirmed:

    • Ninja Theory, creator of the *Hellblade* series, is being shut down by Xbox. Staff were notified of the closure in a call on Monday.
    • Microsoft is restructuring its Xbox division, with reports of major layoffs and studio divestments as part of efforts to make the unit 'sustainable'.
    • Compulsion Games, South of Midnight, and Double Fine are among Xbox studios reportedly at risk of closure or buyout, though no official announcements have been made.
    • Arkane Studios is in negotiations for a potential buyout, according to multiple reports.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Microsoft may spin out Xbox as a separate entity, though no formal decision has been confirmed.
    • Other unnamed Xbox studios could face shutdowns or restructuring in the coming months.
    • The broader Xbox reset includes plans for new *Halo* and *Fallout* games, though no details on development teams have been released.
    confidence 92%