Ninja Theory begins layoffs after Xbox says studio faces closure

Staff at Hellblade developer Ninja Theory have begun announcing layoffs and redundancy risk after Xbox failed to find a buyer or agree on independence for the studio. The fate of Senua, the third Hellblade game announced for 2027, is now uncertain.

• Xbox enacted a second wave of cuts: 268 layoffs on top of 1,600 in the first
• Two separate agreements for Ninja Theory fell through, closure consultations began
• Technical director, sound designers and artists confirmed jobs at risk or ended
• Senua was announced at the June 2026 Xbox Games Showcase for a 2027 release