Ninja Theory to close

Xbox Restructuring and Ninja Theory Closure

Xbox has announced a major restructuring of its business, resulting in the proposed closure of Ninja Theory, the developer behind the Hellblade series. According to Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty, "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." The studio was working on Senua, a new entry in the Hellblade series, which was announced in June as part of an Xbox Games Showcase.

Activision Takes Over Halo Development

As part of the restructuring, Activision will take over the development of the next Halo title. A new, purpose-built team will be leading the development of the game, separate from ongoing development and plans for Call of Duty. A small team at Halo Studios will continue to support the Halo community and games in-market. Rare and World's Edge, the developers of Sea of Thieves and Age of Empires, respectively, will be moved under the Activision umbrella. As stated by Matt Booty, "The next Halo title will be led by a new, purpose-built team that is separate from ongoing development and plans for Call of Duty. A small team at Halo Studios will continue supporting the Halo community and games in-market."

Layoffs and Studio Changes

Xbox has laid off 268 employees across first-party studios, including Halo Studios, and other management groups. The layoffs are part of the company's efforts to "reset" its business. Other studio changes include the merger of Turn10 and Playground Games into a single studio, and the inclusion of Microsoft Casual Games under King.

Studio	Change
Ninja Theory	Proposed closure
Halo Studios	Layoffs, small team to support Halo community
Rare	Moved under Activision umbrella
World's Edge	Moved under Activision umbrella
Turn10 and Playground Games	Merged into a single studio
King	Includes Microsoft Casual Games

Future of Xbox

The restructuring is part of Xbox's efforts to strengthen its franchises and games by operating fewer business units, aligning groups that already work closely together, and focusing its publishing expertise. According to Matt Booty, "Today, our focus should be on supporting those affected and treating one another with care and respect. I will spend time with our studios over the next week. At our October 6 town hall, we will come together as an All-Xbox team to reflect on our progress and look ahead to one of the strongest game lineups in our history."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening to Ninja Theory?

Ninja Theory, the developer behind the Hellblade series, is entering a consultation process on a proposed closure after two separate agreements to sell the studio fell through, as stated by Matt Booty: "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."

Who will develop the next Halo title?

Activision will develop the next Halo title, led by a new, purpose-built team separate from ongoing development and plans for Call of Duty, as announced by Matt Booty.

How many employees have been laid off by Xbox?

Xbox has laid off 268 employees across first-party studios, including Halo Studios, and other management groups, as part of its efforts to "reset" its business.

The future of Xbox and its studios remains uncertain, with the company facing significant changes and challenges in the coming months. As the consultation process on the proposed closure of Ninja Theory begins, the fate of the studio and its employees hangs in the balance. The next Halo title, developed by Activision, is expected to be a major release for the company. With the All-Xbox team coming together on October 6 to reflect on its progress and look ahead to the future, the company will be hoping to turn a corner and emerge stronger from its current challenges.