Ninja Theory Faces Layoffs Amid Xbox Restructuring
- Ninja Theory is experiencing layoffs as part of Xbox’s major restructuring.
- The proposed sale of the studio did not go through, leading to uncertainty regarding its future.
- Developers express their sadness and gratitude on LinkedIn, reflecting on their time at the studio.
Ninja Theory is facing layoffs following a consultation process with Xbox, initiated after a second wave of job cuts last week. This follows Xbox’s announcement in July regarding a comprehensive “reset,” which aims to restructure its business with 3,200 planned job cuts across various studios.
As part of the restructuring, Xbox sought to transfer ownership of Ninja Theory to another company, enabling the studio to continue its work on Senua, a game that was only revealed in June. However, the planned sale failed to materialize. Xbox COO Matt Booty confirmed in a statement that two sale-related agreements “fell through,” prompting the studio and Xbox to begin a consultation process aimed at potential closure.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the studio’s future, developers at Ninja Theory are now facing redundancy. Many have shared their experiences on LinkedIn. Principle sound designer Daniele Galante expressed his sadness, stating, “Sadly, after almost nine incredible years at Ninja Theory, my position is now at risk.” He reminisced about his early work on Hellblade and acknowledged a sense of readiness for a new adventure.
Gameplay programmer Katrin Mair mentioned, “Ninja Theory was never just a job to me. I moved to the UK for Ninja. It was where I started my career in the games industry, and it ended up becoming such a big part of my life.” Principle programmer Stefano Prosperi reflected on the emotional toll of the situation, stating, “It’s difficult to process the idea that this chapter may be coming to an end. I feel sadness, uncertainty and disappointment, of course. But more than anything, I feel incredibly fortunate.”
This restructuring at Xbox has not yet concluded, leaving employees at other Xbox-owned studios concerned about potential future cuts. In recent years, Ninja Theory has established itself as a prominent UK studio, renowned for its acclaimed Hellblade series. Hellblade 2 received five stars from Eurogamer in 2024 and was described as “triumphant.”
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
