Ninja Theory Lays Off Staff
Microsoft's Hellblade developer begins consultation process after failed sale attempts, Senua game at risk. Employees express sadness and gratitude on social media.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Microsoft has started laying off employees at Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade series, after two attempts to sell the studio fell through. The company announced the proposed closure of the studio in September and has begun a consultation process with employees.
Gameplay programmer Katrin Mair, who spent four years at the studio, said it was sad to leave the project unfinished. Technical director Loong-Wei Ding and performance capture specialist Xoe Suvari are also among those affected.
The layoffs put the future of the Senua game, announced in June, at risk. Xbox had proposed closing the studio after the failed sale attempts, but said it would continue to explore other options.
Alessio Mellina, a technical sound designer who has spent 12 years at the studio, is at risk of redundancy. He expressed his gratitude for the experience and skills gained while working on the Hellblade series.
The closure of Ninja Theory is part of a larger restructuring effort by Microsoft, which has also transferred ownership of the Halo franchise to Activision and cut jobs at Halo Studios.
The layoffs have been met with sadness and gratitude from the affected employees, who have taken to social media to express their feelings. The future of the Senua game and the studio remains uncertain.
Ninja Theory has been working on the Senua game, which was announced with a 2027 release window. The game's cancellation is looking increasingly likely, but Microsoft has not made an official announcement.
Key facts
- Ninja Theory is laying off employees after two failed sale attempts
- The studio is behind the Hellblade series and was working on the Senua game
- Microsoft proposed closing the studio in September
- The layoffs are part of a larger restructuring effort by Microsoft
Three perspectives
Neutral
The layoffs at Ninja Theory are a result of Microsoft's failed attempts to sell the studio. The future of the Senua game and the studio remains uncertain. The situation will be closely watched by the gaming industry.
Positive
The employees affected by the layoffs have expressed gratitude for the experience and skills gained while working at Ninja Theory. The studio's work on the Hellblade series has been widely praised, and the Senua game had generated excitement among gamers.
Negative
The layoffs at Ninja Theory are a significant blow to the gaming industry, and the potential cancellation of the Senua game is a disappointment to fans. The restructuring efforts by Microsoft have resulted in job losses and uncertainty for the affected employees.
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