UK Layoffs and Closures by Microsoft. In Expected Blow, Microsoft Likely Shuts Down Another Studio.
Yesterday: Secret Microsoft Layoffs and Maybe Another "Voluntary Exit Program at Microsoft in October"
Today: Ninja Theory undergoes layoffs amid potential closure ("the studio is now approaching closure.")
See this older commentary: Microsoft Relies on Misleading Narrative of Studios Going 'Independent'; in Reality There Are Mass Layoffs in Them
Also today:
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Ninja Theory developers announce they are facing redundancy, as the studio starts laying off staff following widespread Xbox cuts
Ninja Theory in recent years had established itself as a stand-out UK studio, responsible for the acclaimed Hellblade series. Hellblade 2 earned five stars from Eurogamer back in 2024, and was described as "triumphant".
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Hellblade studio Ninja Theory has started laying off staff, following Xbox’s announcement that it faces closure
Two separate agreements with the studio “fell through”, Microsoft said
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Ninja Theory Staff Reveal Layoffs Have Started As Dev Faces Closure In Wake Of Xbox Cuts
What isn’t known at this point is what will happen to the third instalment in the Hellblade series, Senua, which was only announced in June 2026 during the Xbox Game Showcase. Ninja Theory stated at the time the game was set to launch in 2027.
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Ninja Theory Laying Off Employees Ahead Of Possible Closure
Microsoft announced it would close Ninja Theory after a divestiture deal fell through
It's hard to see or honestly envision XBox surviving all this (XBox sales took a plunge). It seems like Microsoft just tries to see if it can somehow make a buck while tearing to pieces what's left of its gaming endeavours. It is a piecewise destruction - without discussion with unions - as Asha Sharma was chosen as the soft face for a demolisher (all critics presumed racist and sexist).
Microsoft's layoffs are never-ending, they just try to keep them all secret. █