Microsoft announced on Tuesday that they are seeking to shutter Hellblade studio Ninja Theory after two deals to save the studio have failed.
Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty stated that “Unfortunately, two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through. We will now begin consultation with employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other paths forward.”
Under UK law, employers must consult with the staff prior to dissolution. This ensures that employees are given ample time to make future arrangements, file lawsuits, etc. During this consultation time period–which is expected to last for the remainder of the year–Microsoft has indicated that they are still open to offers to acquire the British based studio.
The closure of Ninja Theory comes hot off the heels of XBOX’s complete restructuring of the brand and its subsidies, conducted by new CEO Asha Sharma, and includes moving the Halo franchise from Halo Studios to Activision.
Ninja Theory are renown for their highly detailed, cinematic gaming experiences, which include the titles Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and the Hellblade series.
Earlier this year, Ninja Theory debuted a first-look at the upcoming third game in the Hellblade franchise, simply titled Senua. With the impending closure, the fate of the game is currently in dire straits.
In the same memo, Booty proclaimed that the development studios Compulsion and Double Fine both “returned to management with their IP, back catalogs, and runway funding,” and that State of Decay developer “Undead Labs has now successfully transitioned on similar terms” with a new publisher.
Likewise, Arkane studios remains in the same group as Ninja Theory, as Microsoft is currently in the consultation with the developers of Dishonored and Redfall, though they are still open to offers.
Who would you like to see purchase Ninja Theory? Do you think Microsoft is right in closing down the studio? Let us know in the comments below, and stick with us for all your gaming content!
Source: XBOX
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