Ninja Theory
Ninja Theory business and news from across the web.
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Microsoft's failure to find a home for Ninja Theory voids the one, very tenuous upside to Senua's SGF reveal
The article criticizes Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory's proposed closure, highlighting the failure to find a buyer after revealing the game Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. The author argues that Microsoft's actions demonstrate incompetence and callousness, turning a potential positive outcome from the game's reveal into a zero, and that the studio's closure reflects poorly on Xbox's business practices.
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.
Xbox’s “Aggressive” Revenue Goals Were “Unrealistic” Even Before Layoffs, Says id Software Dev
An id Software developer revealed that Xbox's aggressive revenue goals are considered unrealistic and contributing to ongoing chaos and layoffs within the company. Despite attempts at communication, management's vision is perceived as lacking, with a strong focus on immediate profit increases. This sentiment is shared across studios, with morale sinking due to perceived incompetence.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
"It genuinely breaks my heart"- Confusion and frustration reign as gaming communities react to Xbox's drastic restructuring this week
Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring this week, leading to widespread layoffs and the impending closure of Ninja Theory. Studios like Obsidian Entertainment, Rare, and World's Edge have been re-assigned to different publishing arms within Xbox's ecosystem, causing confusion and frustration among players and developers regarding future game development and monetization strategies.
Xbox’s New Mythic Achievements Take 15 Seconds To Tell You “Good Job”
Xbox is introducing 'Mythic Achievements,' a new tier similar to PlayStation's platinum trophies, which will trigger a 15-second animation upon unlocking. These achievements are worth zero Gamerscore and are tracked separately. The rollout occurs during a difficult period for Xbox, marked by significant layoffs across Xbox Game Studios and restructuring for studios like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs.
Xbox's version of PlayStation's Platinum Trophy achievement seems to leak, and it's got a sound-effect that's 15 seconds long
Microsoft appears to be introducing a "Mythic Achievement" for Xbox, similar to PlayStation's Platinum Trophy, which is reportedly retroactive and worth zero Gamerscore. This comes amidst significant restructuring within Xbox, including the effective closure of Halo Studios and job losses across multiple development teams like Ninja Theory and World's Edge.
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct studio with its existing leadership following Xbox's recent studio reorganisation. This move places Obsidian under Bethesda's reporting structure, though its creative identity and strengths will be preserved. The teams will continue to collaborate on new Fallout projects.
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Age of Empires developer World's Edge hit with layoffs following move to Activision
The Age of Empires developer World's Edge has been significantly impacted by layoffs following its transition to Activision, with "just under half" of its employees affected. Former creative director Adam Isgreen was among those let go, expressing disappointment about the outcome of his 16-year tenure. This restructuring also saw 268 positions eliminated across various Xbox studios, leading to the closure of Ninja Theory and the independence of Undead Labs.
Halo Co-Creator Reacts To Franchise Moving To Activision: “Shocked But Not Entirely Surprised”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto expressed shock but not surprise regarding the franchise's move to Activision following Microsoft's restructuring of its Xbox studios. Lehto, who was affected by layoffs at Halo Studios, wished well to the developers impacted by the decision. Activision will form a new team for Halo, while Halo Studios will focus on supporting existing titles and the community.
Gears of War: E-Day director laid off days after completing development as Xbox cuts reach The Coalition
Juan Vaca, the story director for the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, has been laid off by Microsoft as part of its ongoing job cuts. This news comes just days after Vaca celebrated the game going gold, and it follows a larger wave of redundancies across Xbox studios, including Halo Studios. The reasons for Vaca's dismissal, particularly so close to the game's October 2026 release, remain unclear.
State of Decay 3 studio Undead Labs lay off "a significant number" of "exceptionally talented developers" after gaining independence from Xbox
Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay 3, has laid off a significant number of employees shortly after becoming independent from Xbox. This move follows a trend of layoffs across the industry and within Microsoft-owned studios, impacting other developers like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Arkane Studios.
Xbox lays off Gears of War: E-Day's story director barely two weeks before the game's launch
Xbox has conducted significant layoffs, impacting the story director of the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, just weeks before its October 6th release. This news comes amidst broader restructuring within Xbox, affecting studios like Rare, World's Edge, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, and 343 Industries, with Ninja Theory reportedly heading towards closure.
Halo Moves to Activision as Xbox Cuts 268 More Jobs
Microsoft has confirmed another 268 layoffs across Xbox, impacting Halo Studios and other first-party teams, as part of a significant reorganization. Development of the next Halo game will move to Activision, while studios like Rare and World's Edge will now fall under Activision's remit. Ninja Theory is facing proposed closure.
Xbox Layoffs: 268 Employees Affected in Latest Restructuring — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, impacting 268 employees. While studios like Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs are safe and continuing work on titles like State of Decay 3, Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon face potential closure. The article suggests Microsoft grew too quickly and its investment in Xbox Game Pass is now contributing to these cutbacks.
Games Inbox: Are you still an Xbox fan?
Readers express deep concern over recent layoffs at Xbox and the perceived decline of the brand's relevance and developer support. While some praise Capcom's successful year and positive employee treatment, others question Microsoft's strategy and the future of its studios.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
Does Microsoft really want to save Xbox or have they already given up?
Microsoft's recent wave of job cuts within Xbox, affecting hundreds of developers, raises serious questions about the company's commitment to its gaming division. The article suggests these layoffs, coupled with studio restructuring and a lack of clear hardware strategy, indicate a potential winding down of Xbox's ambitions, possibly leading to its eventual sale as a third-party publisher.
What the Hell is Going on With Halo and Xbox?
Xbox Game Studios has announced significant layoffs at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, with 268 roles eliminated. A smaller team will continue to support existing Halo titles, while a new, separate team under Activision will develop the next mainline Halo installment. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate franchise output and streamline development, though it has led to widespread criticism regarding job security and studio management.
