Senua
News, coverage and analysis tracking Senua across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Xbox Appoints Helen Chiang as COO, Studios to Only Have Maximum of 5 Management Layers
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant changes to the division's operational structure, including reducing management layers to a maximum of five and appointing Helen Chiang as the new Chief Operating Officer. These changes follow recent layoffs affecting approximately 1,200 employees, with plans for further reductions. The restructuring aims to streamline workflows, improve accountability, and refocus investment for future growth, while four studios—Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs—are being released from Xbox.
Kojima Productions’ OD Remains Safe Ahead of Xbox Reset – Rumor
Despite recent rumors of potential studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, Kojima Productions' upcoming horror title OD is reportedly safe. This comes as other studios like Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Arkane Lyon face uncertain futures. OD remains Kojima Productions' primary focus for 2026.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffs
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
How Ninja Theory Paved A Way For The Elden Ring Movie
Despite potential closure, Ninja Theory's legacy in game development and its influence on filmmaking are highlighted, particularly its collaboration with Alex Garland on titles like Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and DmC: Devil May Cry. This experience is credited with Alex Garland's approach to writing and directing the upcoming Elden Ring movie adaptation.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be Ahead
Xbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Anyone Not Working on The Elder Scrolls or Fallout at Bethesda is Being Laid Off – Rumor
Reports suggest that ZeniMax Media, including studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software, is undergoing significant layoffs, with employees not working on The Elder Scrolls or Fallout projects being particularly affected. This comes amid broader Xbox restructuring and potential studio closures for titles like Hellblade and South of Midnight, as executives cite revenue losses and rising hardware costs.
Report: Redundancies at Microsoft owned Zenimax have begun
Microsoft has reportedly begun significant layoffs and studio closures within its Zenimax Media division, which includes Bethesda, id Software, and Arkane Studios. Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine Productions are also facing potential shutdowns. This news follows recent announcements about Xbox game exclusivity and a reported decline in profitability, indicating a major business reset for the brand.
Comings and Goings
It is claimed that Microsoft planned the closure of Ninja Theory concurrently with the announcement of Senua. Additionally, the entire Luna Abyss Development Team was laid off one month after their game's launch.
Report: Xbox was set on splitting with Ninja Theory when unveiling its new project
A report suggests Microsoft planned to separate from Ninja Theory around the unveiling of its new project, Senua. This comes amid broader reports of internal turmoil at Xbox, with multiple studios reportedly negotiating to become independent due to potential shutdowns of less profitable teams. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a reset for the division, which may include significant cuts and reduced budgets.
Xbox Hypes Up Gamescom Return Amid Questions About Its Future
Xbox is confirming its presence at Gamescom, with Gears of War: E-Day headlining playable demos. This comes amid reports of significant internal turmoil, including potential studio closures and layoffs, which Microsoft has disputed. CEO Asha Sharma and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella have alluded to upcoming changes and the need for Xbox to become a more sustainable business.
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.
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.
Microsoft was reportedly already planning Ninja Theory split when it announced Senua at the Xbox Games Showcase, with…
Reports suggest Microsoft was planning to split from or shut down Ninja Theory around the time its new game, Senua, was revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase. This comes amid wider rumors of layoffs and potential closures for other Xbox studios like Double Fine and Compulsion Games. The future of Senua and Project Mara is now uncertain.
Microsoft reportedly only announced Ninja Theory's new game at Summer Game Fest to try and attract a buyer for the studio
Microsoft is reportedly considering selling or closing Ninja Theory, the developers of Hellblade. The company allegedly revealed their new game, Senua, at Summer Game Fest with the intention of attracting potential buyers for the studio. This news comes amidst broader reports of Microsoft's plans to divest or shutter several Xbox-owned studios.
Xbox already planned to shut down Ninja Theory before Senua reveal claims report
A report claims Microsoft planned to close Ninja Theory before the reveal of their new game, Senua, amidst mounting fears of widespread Xbox layoffs. The announcement of Senua, a multiplatform title for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, may have been an attempt to attract investors prior to the studio's potential closure or sale. This news follows reports of executive departures and potential closures of other Xbox studios.
Why Microsoft Announced Ninja Theory's New Game Despite Plans to Shut the Studio Down
Microsoft allegedly planned to close or spin off Ninja Theory while simultaneously announcing its new game, Senua, at the Xbox Games Showcase. This move was reportedly intended to attract investor interest in the studio.
New Senua Game Reveal Used as a Way to Sell Ninja Theory to Suitors
Microsoft reportedly used the reveal of a new Senua game at the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 as a strategy to attract potential buyers for the Ninja Theory studio. This move was allegedly made while Microsoft was already planning to sell or shut down the developer, aiming to increase investor interest by showcasing a confirmed project.
Microsoft Planned Closure of Ninja Theory Before Senua’s Reveal – Rumor
According to a report, Microsoft had planned to close Ninja Theory before the studio revealed its new game, Senua. The trailer was reportedly released to attract potential investors or acquirers for the studio. Despite these plans, it remains unclear if Ninja Theory's leadership was aware of the situation, and negotiations are underway for some studios to spin off rather than close, though layoffs are still expected.
Xbox Shows a “Basic Misunderstanding” of the Gaming Industry, Says Former PlayStation Exec
Former PlayStation Studios boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent actions, including impending layoffs and studio closures, demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the gaming industry. This perspective arises amidst reports of significant financial losses and strategic shifts within Microsoft's gaming division, impacting studios like Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games.
What the heck are you playing at, games industry?
The article criticizes the recent surge in video game studio closures and layoffs, highlighting numerous studios shut down by major publishers like Ubisoft, EA, Embracer, Sony, and Microsoft. It questions the business strategies of these publishers, particularly Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory and the high development cost of Xbox exclusives like Gears of War E-Day, while also pointing to the industry's pursuit of live services and infinite growth over sustainable development.
