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Hellblade II

News, coverage and analysis tracking Hellblade II across the outlets.

Latest coverage

newest first, grouped by day
GamespotNegative

Microsoft Apparently Already Knew It Would Be Closing Ninja Theory When It Announced Senua

Microsoft reportedly planned to close or spin off Ninja Theory before the studio announced its new game, Senua, at the Xbox Games Showcase. This decision was part of a broader strategy following a "reset" memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, citing declining revenues despite significant investments. While Microsoft is reportedly exploring buyouts for Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, the future of these studios and their franchises remains uncertain.

Playstation LifestyleVery negative

Newly Revealed PS5 Action Adventure Game Already in Trouble

A newly revealed PlayStation 5 action-adventure game, Senua, from developer Ninja Theory, may be in jeopardy. Reports suggest Microsoft is considering shutting down or selling Ninja Theory, with the game's announcement at the Xbox Showcase potentially intended to attract a buyer. The future of the studio and the game remains uncertain.

Last Word GamingVery negative

Xbox's Early Momentum from Asha Sharma is Fading Fast

Xbox's early positive momentum under Asha Sharma appears to be fading due to rumors of studio closures, including Ninja Theory, and the recent shuttering of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. This trend is eroding player trust and potentially jeopardizing the success of future initiatives like Project Helix, which aims to unify Xbox's hardware, software, and services.

FZ.seNegative

Xbox Game Studios-chef lämnar – efter 20 månader

Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, has resigned after only 20 months, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. This follows recent news of potential studio closures and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. The departures occur amidst a strategic shift for Xbox, including price adjustments to Game Pass and a re-evaluation of multi-platform releases.

IGNNegative

Xbox Game Pass Soldiers on With June 2026 Wave 2 Lineup Announcement

Microsoft has announced the Xbox Game Pass lineup for June 2026 Wave 2, amidst reports of potential studio closures and mass layoffs affecting developers like Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. The company has not yet commented on these reports.

EurogamerVery negative

Microsoft reportedly negotiating closures of multiple Xbox studios, including Psychonauts' Double Fine, South of Midnight's Compulsion and Hellblade's Ninja Theory

Microsoft is reportedly negotiating the potential closure of several Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory. These studios are in talks to buy back their independence to avoid being shut down. This news follows recent reports of budget cuts and layoffs under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.

The Sixth AxisVery negative

Report – Xbox is shutting down Ninja Theory, days after announcing their next game

Reports indicate that Microsoft is planning to shut down Ninja Theory, the studio behind the Hellblade series, just days after announcing their new game, Senua. Staff were reportedly informed of the potential closure, with efforts underway to find a buyer. This news follows reports of other Xbox studios facing potential shutdowns and a broader business reset for the Xbox brand.

FZ.seVery negative

Källa: Ninja Theory på väg att stängas av Xbox

Reports suggest Xbox is planning to shut down Ninja Theory, though the studio is reportedly seeking an external buyer. Concurrently, Double Fine and Compulsion Games are negotiating to become independent from Microsoft. These potential changes come after Asha Sharma took over leadership at Xbox, and despite recent announcements like Senua's Saga: Hellblade II at the Xbox Games Showcase.

Nintendo LifeNegative

Multiple Xbox Studios Reportedly In Active Negotiations With Microsoft To Avoid Closure

Multiple Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine, are reportedly in active negotiations with Microsoft to avoid closure. Some studios may be given the opportunity to go independent or find a new buyer. Employees at Ninja Theory have been informed of potential closure, and Arkane Studios is also reportedly concerned about its future.

Gaming BoltVery negative

Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – Rumor

Reports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.

Push SquareVery negative

Hellblade Studio Hunting for Buyer, Days After Announcing New Game for PS5

Ninja Theory, the developer behind the upcoming PlayStation 5 title Senua, is reportedly facing closure by Microsoft. The studio is actively seeking a buyer to regain its independence amidst wider "reset" and potential layoffs at Xbox. This news follows the recent announcement of Senua, an action-focused game in the Hellblade franchise, slated for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5.

IGNVery negative

Ninja Theory and Double Fine Also Reportedly Under Threat of Closure as Xbox Studios Fight for Survival

Ninja Theory and Double Fine are reportedly facing potential closure as Microsoft's Xbox division undergoes significant cuts. These studios, known for Hellblade and Psychonauts respectively, are among those fighting to survive amidst the ongoing restructuring.

Push SquareNegative

Three Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent

Reports indicate that three Xbox first-party developers, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to become independent studios. This news follows recent speculation about potential studio closures within Xbox Game Studios, with CEO Satya Nadella emphasizing the need for Xbox to become a sustainable business.

Push SquareNegative

Several Xbox Studios at Risk of Closure, in Talks to Become Independent

Several Xbox first-party studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure and are in negotiations with Microsoft to spin off as independent entities. This news follows comments from CEO Satya Nadella about Xbox needing to become a sustainable business. Compulsion Games' title 'South of Midnight' was recently released on PlayStation 5.

Metro UKPositive

Halo tops PS5 pre-order charts despite Xbox exclusivity pivot

Despite Microsoft's pivot back to Xbox console exclusives, the upcoming Halo remake, Halo: Campaign Evolved, is topping pre-order charts on the PlayStation Store across Europe. This success on a competitor's platform could influence future exclusivity decisions for Xbox.

Gaming BoltVery positive

Senua is “Quite A Bit Longer” and “More Expansive” Than Previous Hellblade Titles

Ninja Theory has revealed that the upcoming game Senua will be significantly longer and more expansive than previous Hellblade titles. The game will feature an interconnected world with more exploration and puzzle-solving, alongside upgraded combat mechanics. Senua is slated for a 2027 release on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Metro UKVery negative

Microsoft's Xbox games keep ending up as flops according to new report

A new report indicates that several Xbox games, including Avowed, Hellblade 2, and Forza Motorsport, have significantly underperformed Microsoft's sales and engagement expectations. This comes amid reports of expected layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, with CEO Asha Sharma acknowledging the company has 'over extended' its resources and needs to reassess investment priorities.

FZ.seNegative

Ninja Theorys "experimentella skräckspel" Project: Mara läggs ner

Ninja Theory has canceled its experimental horror game, Project: Mara, to allow its entire team to focus on the next Hellblade title. Project: Mara was announced over six years ago and aimed to explore mental health through a photorealistic lens. The studio confirmed the decision in an interview regarding the upcoming Senua game.

Blues NewsNeutral

Project Mara Cancelled; Senua Announced

Ninja Theory and Xbox Game Studios have announced the cancellation of Project Mara and the reveal of Senua, a new action-adventure game set in the Hellblade universe. Further details on Senua's gameplay and release are expected.

PC GamerPositive

Hellblade studio kills its mysterious 'horrors of the mind' project so it can make a new Senua game instead

Ninja Theory has canceled its "Project Mara" to fully dedicate its resources to a new Senua game, simply titled Senua. Studio head Dom Matthews stated the new title will be an action-adventure game with broader gameplay and combat depth, set in Purgatory after the events of Hellblade 1 and 2. The studio aims to deliver a fresh experience that welcomes new players while building on the established themes and characters.