Microsoft has signalled its intention to close down Hellblade developer Ninja Theory after two deals to save the Xbox studio fell through.<\/p>\n
In-line with UK employment law, a consultation with the staff at the Cambridge-based studio has begun. While Microsoft has said it is now working to close the studio, it remains open to an agreement to rescue the company.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through,” Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty said in a blog post issued today. “We will now begin consultation with employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other paths forward.”<\/p>\n
In June, at an Xbox Games Showcase event, Microsoft announced Senua, the third game in the Hellblade series. At the time, there was little concern about the game\u2019s release. Indeed, there was little concern, publicly at least, about Ninja Theory itself.<\/p>\n
But that all changed when optimism sparked by the positive showcase was shattered by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma\u2019s \u201creset\u201d memo, which suggested mass layoffs and studio closures were to come. Confirmation came in July, when Ninja Theory was among the studios on the Xbox chopping block.<\/p>\n
Amid the reports, fans expressed confusion at how Microsoft could announce Senua from Ninja Theory and then just days later tell the studio\u2019s staff it planned to shut the company down. According to Game File, Microsoft allegedly planned to close or spin off Ninja Theory when it revealed Senua, and it did so thinking that \u201cthe promise of a newly announced game would help draw investor interest in the studio.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clearly, that plan has failed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nThe 100 Best Xbox Games of All Time<\/h3>\n