Xbox to Close Ninja Theory Studio Behind Hellblade Series
Microsoft is shutting down the studio that developed the Hellblade games. Several other Xbox studios are negotiating to spin off as independent entities.
The VergeXbox is closing Ninja Theory, the studio behind the Hellblade series, a source told The Verge. Staffers learned of the closure during a call on Monday. The staffers are hoping the studio will find a buyer.
Several other Xbox studios at Microsoft, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine, are in active negotiations about spinning off, Bloomberg reported. Kotaku reported earlier on Monday that Microsoft was planning to shut down Compulsion, though an update noted that studio leadership is in negotiations with Microsoft.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty warned last week of a reset at Xbox.
They stated that Xbox had over extended with its studio system and that the hardware component crisis is driving up prices. Asha Sharma took over at Xbox in February. Sharma has made several major decisions since then, including locking down Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution as Xbox console exclusives.
Microsoft revealed a new Hellblade game, Senua, at its Xbox Games Showcase just over a week ago. The future of that project is unclear following the studio closure. Xbox did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
