Microsoft allowed Ninja Theory to announce a new title in Senua while preparing to either shut it down or sell it off, and according to Game File journalist Stephen Totilo, that was all part of its plan.
As part of a deep dive article covering the news of Xbox plans to rid itself of Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion, it’s said that by the time Senua was revealed in the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, it had already been decided that Ninja Theory would be let go.
This was apparently so investors would be more interested in purchasing the studio — according to one source talking to the outlet — as it could see one confirmed project it would take under its wing.
“By the time that game was revealed, Microsoft had already planned to sunset or split with the studio,” Totilo explained. “The thinking was that the promise of a newly announced game would help draw investor interest in the studio, a source familiar with Microsoft’s plans told Game File (it’s unclear if anyone atop Ninja Theory was involved in this plan).”
No public comment on the potential closures has been offered by Microsoft, as worrying rumours of layoffs across the games industry swirl. The hope will be that all three of the mentioned Xbox developers are able to return to independence or find new investors elsewhere. It would be a huge shame to lose the teams behind Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, Psychonauts 2, and South of Midnight.
[source gamefile.news]
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