Microsoft is reportedly planning to shut down Ninja Theory, the British game studio behind the popular Hellblade series, as part of a broader restructuring effort within its Xbox gaming division.
According to sources, employees have been informed of this decision through an internal meeting. While the future of the studio is currently unclear, employees are still optimistic about the possibility of a buyer acquiring the studio for continued operations.
The studio was acquired by Microsoft Studios in 2018 when the company bought a few other first-party studios for the Xbox platform. Some popular games created by the studio are Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and Hellblade II.
Microsoft recently showcased an upcoming Senua game at their Xbox Games Showcase. If the studio shuts down, the company will have to find an alternative way to proceed with the brand.
The reported changes are not limited to Ninja Theory. Other Xbox-owned studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine, are also said to be exploring options to operate independently.
The restructuring reflects Microsoft’s attempt to consolidate its gaming platform amid increased development costs in a difficult market. While Microsoft has not officially confirmed the rumor, this may be considered a landmark move for Xbox.