Xbox is shutting down Hellblade creator Ninja Theory
Xbox is closing Ninja Theory, the studio behind the Hellblade series. Staff were informed on Monday but hope a buyer will be found.
Xbox is shutting down Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade series, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to The Verge. Employees were told on a call Monday about the closure, though they are hopeful the studio will find a buyer.
The closure comes as several Xbox studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine, are in “active negotiations” to spin off, Bloomberg reports. This follows a warning from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty last week about a “reset” at Xbox, citing challenges such as an overextended studio system and a hardware component crisis driving up costs.
Kotaku reported earlier Monday that Microsoft planned to shut down Compulsion, but later updated its report to note that studio leadership is in “negotiations” with Microsoft.
Sharma, who took over as Xbox CEO in February, has already made major decisions, including locking down Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution as Xbox console exclusives at the Xbox Games Showcase just over a week ago. During that event, Microsoft also revealed a new Hellblade game, Senua, whose future is now uncertain.
Xbox did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
