Ninja Theory, the studio behind the Hellblade games, starts a redundancy process and lays off staff after Microsoft indicates the company could be shut down. Multiple reports say employees are being informed they may lose their jobs, following the studio’s consultation period with Microsoft.

Microsoft previously said two separate deals to sell Ninja Theory after its split from Xbox did not go through. In connection with that outcome, Microsoft stated it would begin consultation with employees on a proposed closure while it continues to explore alternatives. Outlets report that this consultation appears to be leading to layoffs, with some former staff publicly announcing their departures.

Coverage also situates the decision within broader restructuring at Xbox, referencing recent waves of cuts. While individual articles differ slightly in emphasis—some focusing on the redundancy notices, others on how the failed sale attempts feed into the timeline—each account describes the same chain of events: failed acquisition efforts, a consultation period, and job losses at the studio.