Studio Closures
Ongoing coverage on Studio Closures.
Latest coverage
Microsoft-owned studios negotiate to avoid closures as CEO wants *more* monetization in games
Microsoft-owned studios are reportedly negotiating for independence to avoid potential closures amidst an Xbox 'reset.' CEO Satya Nadella is pushing for increased monetization in games, stating that Xbox has historically subsidized its entertainment. This comes as Microsoft faces layoffs and questions about the profitability of its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition.
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.
Assassin's Creed Shadows' final update adds one last story mission and a wearable Black Flag Resynced advert
Assassin's Creed Shadows receives its final major update, adding a new story mission and an endgame challenge mode. This update also introduces crossover content with the upcoming Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced, allowing players to unlock themed gear for both games. The news comes amidst reports of Ubisoft closing studios and restructuring teams.
Another Xbocalypse begins: Microsoft are reportedly closing or spinning off Double Fine, Ninja Theory and Compulsion
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closing or spinning off studios Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games as part of a broader business restructuring. This follows recent layoffs, game cancellations, and studio closures across Xbox. The affected studios are known for critically acclaimed but not commercially massive titles like Psychonauts, Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, and South of Midnight.
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.
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.
Xbox Studios Facing Possible Closures
A report indicates that several studios under Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios division, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine, may be facing possible closures. The article details the uncertainty surrounding these developers within the company.
Xbox is reportedly closing Ninja Theory, Double Fine and Compulsion Games
Reports indicate that several first-party Xbox studios, including Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games, are at risk of being closed. This news follows recent trends of studio closures within the gaming industry.
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.
Bloomberg: Several Xbox studios in negotiations to avoid closure
Several Xbox-owned studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly in negotiations to spin off from Microsoft or avoid closure. Staffers at Ninja Theory were informed of its closure, though the studio is seeking a buyer. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30, following a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hinting at a company reset due to increasing costs and an overextended studio system.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and more Xbox studios reportedly at risk of closure
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closure for several studios, including Double Fine and Ninja Theory, as part of a "reset" under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some studios like Double Fine are in negotiations to spin off, job losses are expected. This comes after a period of significant studio acquisitions by Microsoft, including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Xbox reportedly looking to spin off several studios to avoid closures
Reports indicate Xbox is considering spinning off several internal studios, including Ninja Theory, Double Fine Productions, and Compulsion Games, to prevent their closure amid rumored layoffs. This follows a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma emphasizing the need for the division to become profitable and sustainable.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, And More Reportedly Trying To Spin Off From Xbox Game Studios
Following reports of potential layoffs and studio closures at Microsoft, including Compulsion Games, several smaller Xbox Game Studios developers like Double Fine and Ninja Theory are reportedly negotiating to spin off from the publisher. This move aims to avoid closure, though many employees may still lose their jobs. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also departed the company.
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.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory & Compulsion are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closures
Multiple Xbox Game Studios developers, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closure and potentially gain independence. While independence could prevent full shutdowns, layoffs are still expected. This news follows an announcement from Xbox CEO about a business 'reset' and restructuring.
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.
Rumours suggest multiple Xbox studios are to close
Rumors suggest Microsoft is planning to close multiple Xbox studios, including Compulsion Games and Arkane Studios, with potential spin-offs for Double Fine. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also stepped down amid these reports. These potential closures follow underperforming titles like South of Midnight and Redfall, and broader industry discussions about the sustainability of day-one Game Pass releases.
Latest Microsoft victim reportedly being closed after releasing one game since Xbox acquisition
Microsoft is reportedly closing Compulsion Games, the studio behind We Happy Few and South of Midnight, eight years after acquiring it. This move is part of a larger downsizing within Xbox, which has seen thousands of layoffs and is expected to continue. South of Midnight, Compulsion's only release since the 2018 acquisition, received critical acclaim and awards.
