Senua
News, coverage and analysis tracking Senua across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Xbox to shut down at least three game developers and no one is safe
Xbox is reportedly planning to shut down at least three game development studios, including Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, as part of a broader 'reset' and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. Ninja Theory is reportedly seeking a new buyer, while Compulsion Games and Double Fine are in negotiations to become independent. This follows previous studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, such as Tango Gameworks and The Initiative.
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.
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.
Several studios at risk of closure amid Xbox restructuring
Several internal Xbox studios, including Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly at risk of closure or being shut down as part of a global restructuring. These studios are in discussions with Xbox to potentially go independent or secure their future. This move follows previous closures of Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin and comes as Xbox shifts focus to major IPs like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, amidst broader industry challenges including layoffs at Ubisoft.
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.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
With so much uncertainty swelling around Xbox, Senua is the action-adventure shot in the arm that the Hellblade series deserves
Ninja Theory's upcoming action-adventure game, Senua, set for a 2027 release on Xbox Series X, PC, and PlayStation 5, aims to deepen player engagement with more combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving. Studio head Dom Matthews stated that feedback on Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 indicated a desire for more gameplay, leading the team to focus entirely on this new title to enhance combat fluidity and enemy variety. The game is described as a more balanced action-adventure experience, drawing parallels to Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and will feature a structured narrative within a larger, interconnected world, avoiding an open-world approach.
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.
Xbox Finally Has Big Exclusives Again, But Gamers Are Still Confused
Xbox is facing confusion regarding its exclusive game strategy, with recent announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution being console exclusives while other titles remain multiplatform. This shift back towards exclusives, despite years of opening up its games, has led to criticism about inconsistent communication and strategy from Microsoft executives like Asha Sharma and Matthew Ball. The article questions the long-term viability and clarity of this approach, especially concerning future titles and the impact on player trust.
Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve Studio Closures
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, which may include the closure of some studios. Employees were reportedly shocked by the cancellation of Gears of War. The publisher also announced several new games for the PlayStation 5, including State of Decay 3 and Senua.
Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve a Studio Closure
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, potentially affecting thousands of employees and possibly including the closure of a studio. This comes amid reports of declining annual revenue despite substantial investments, leading to a reassessment of business strategies and a potential shift back towards console exclusives.
Showcase Season & Planet Zoo 2 – TheXboxHub Official Podcast #229
The latest episode of TheXboxHub Official Podcast covers the recent gaming showcases, including the Xbox Games Showcase and Summer Game Fest, alongside discussions about Planet Zoo 2. Hosts Gareth, Paul, and Darren highlight their favorite moments, discuss Xbox strategy, and anticipate upcoming game releases, with a particular focus on Gears of War: E-Day.
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.
The most upsetting thing about Xbox’s SGF showcase was Marcus Fenix’ jacket
Xbox's recent Summer Games Fest showcase highlighted a shift back towards console exclusivity with titles like Gears of War E-Day and Clockwork Revolution. This strategic change, spearheaded by new CEO Asha Sharma, aims to re-establish Xbox as a distinct console platform amidst an identity crisis and declining Game Pass subscriber growth. While some previously multiplatform titles will remain available on PlayStation 5, the move signifies a renewed focus on selling Xbox hardware.
Reaction: Mealy-Mouthed Microsoft Takes Us Back to 2023 with Mixed Messaging on Xbox Exclusivity
Microsoft's recent Xbox Showcase and subsequent statements from executives like Matt Booty have reintroduced ambiguity regarding game exclusivity. Despite promises of multiplatform releases for big multiplayer and live service titles, games like Gears of War: E-Day are now confirmed as Xbox console exclusives, leading to confusion and criticism about inconsistent messaging.
Ninja Theory Cancels Ambitious Horror Title Focus To On Senua
Ninja Theory has cancelled its experimental horror title, Project Mara, to focus all studio resources on its upcoming action-adventure game, Senua. Studio Head Dom Matthews stated that the decision was made to consolidate the studio's 85 creatives to fully realize the potential of Senua. Project Mara was initially pitched as a photorealistic exploration of mental terror.
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.
Ninja Theory Confirms Development Has Stopped On Project Mara
Ninja Theory has officially cancelled its horror game Project Mara, with studio head Dom Matthews confirming the entire 85-person team is now focused on Senua. Project Mara, announced in 2020, aimed to realistically portray mental health issues. The studio previously worked on smaller teams for the Hellblade games, but the decision was made to consolidate talent for Senua.
Xbox will still release multiplatform games, but expect more full exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day
Xbox executives have clarified their exclusivity strategy, stating that while titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be Xbox console exclusives, this is not a universal rule. Live service and multiplayer-first games, along with titles already announced for PlayStation 5, will remain multiplatform. Other games will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Highly Anticipated Xbox Game’s PS5 Port Canceled at Last Minute
Microsoft has canceled the PlayStation 5 port of the highly anticipated game Gears of War: E-Day, reverting to console exclusivity for the title. This decision, driven by new CEO Asha Sharma's strategy to revitalize Xbox, means Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will remain exclusive to Xbox consoles and PC. Other upcoming Xbox titles like Fable and State of Decay 3 are also confirmed for Xbox and PC, with Spyro: A Realm Beyond and Senua receiving multiplatform releases.
