// KOTAKU — GAMING
Xbox Working Toward Closing Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory After Multiple Deals Fall Through
A new Hellblade game called simply Senua was revealed at the big Xbox gaming showcase over the summer. Just three months later, the studio behind it, Ninja Theory, is at risk of closing after multiple attempts to sell off the team failed.
“Unfortunately, two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through,” Microsoft chief content officer Matt Booty wrote in a blog post on September 22. “We will now begin consultation with employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other paths forward.”
Ninja Theory was one of four smaller, limited integration Xbox Game Studios teams that Microsoft has spun out this year as part of a massive, layoff-fueled restructuring of its gaming business. While Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and now Undead Labs have all been sold back to management, Ninja Theory’s status remains in limbo. Arkane, which was hard at work on a Marvel Blade game, is also currently facing a closure. “Consultation with Arkane remains underway and is expected to continue through the end of the year,” Booty confirmed in today’s announcement.
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