Hellblade · Anime, manga, and games

2d ago

Multiple Xbox Game Studios Reportedly Facing Closure, Including Ninja Theory

Multiple outlets report that several studios under Xbox Game Studios are at risk of closure, with Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine named as those facing potential shutdown or forced independence. According to The Verge, Ninja Theory staff were informed of the closure on June 15, 2026, and the studio hopes a buyer can be found. Bloomberg reports that Compulsion Games and Double Fine are in discussions to leave Xbox Game Studios. The reports follow the recent resignation of Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor, as reported by The Game Business. These moves come after Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a business reset earlier this year, which included plans for large-scale layoffs and budget cuts. The studios in question were all acquired by Microsoft between 2018 and 2019. Ninja Theory had just announced a new title, 'Senua', at the Xbox Games Showcase days before the reported closure. Microsoft has not officially commented on the reports.

Jun 7

Ninja Theory Announces New Action-Adventure Senua for 2027

During the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 on June 8, Ninja Theory and Xbox Game Studios announced Senua, a new action-adventure game set in the world of the Hellblade series. The game follows the Celtic warrior Senua as she navigates a purgatory-like realm between life and death, aiming to reunite with lost loved ones. Senua places a greater emphasis on combat than previous Hellblade titles, offering tactical choices in battle and the ability to dual-wield melee and ranged weapons. The map is roughly twice the size of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, though the game remains linear rather than open-world. Senua is scheduled for release in 2027 on PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and will be available on Xbox and PC Game Pass from day one. The announcement also confirmed the cancellation of the experimental horror project Project: Mara, which was first revealed in 2020. Studio head Dom Matthews stated that all 85 staff members are now focused on Senua, marking the first time since 2013's DmC: Devil May Cry that the entire studio has worked on a single project.