Ninja Theory developers announce they are facing redundancy, as the studio starts laying off staff following widespread Xbox cuts
Ninja Theory, the Cambridge-based developer behind the acclaimed Hellblade franchise, has begun laying off staff following Xbox’s decision to close the studio. The layoffs come after two separate acquisition deals intended to save the studio fell through, ending months of uncertainty for the team.
The studio, acquired by Microsoft in 2018 for $117 million, was caught in Xbox’s broader restructuring announced in July, which included 3,200 planned job cuts across the organization. Unlike some studios that were transitioned to independence, Xbox leadership attempted to sell Ninja Theory to preserve it as a standalone company. However, after both acquisition attempts failed, Microsoft announced in late September that it would begin a consultation process with employees regarding the studio’s proposed closure.
Layoffs have now begun across multiple departments, with affected employees posting on LinkedIn about their departure. A gameplay programmer with four years at the studio wrote, “It’s incredibly sad knowing that we won’t get to finish what we were working on,” highlighting the emotional toll on the team. Other departing staff members with longer tenures, including some with over 12 years at Ninja Theory, expressed similar sentiments about the studio’s closure.
The timing compounds the disappointment for the team. The studio had recently revealed new games during Xbox’s showcase, including an upcoming Senua title announced for PlayStation 5—a move that underscored the studio’s uncertain position. With development halted and staff departing, these projects appear unlikely to be completed.
The closure reflects the ongoing crisis in the games industry, where consolidation, economic pressures, and corporate restructuring continue to disrupt development studios and impact thousands of workers.
Sources
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