Ninja Theory layoffs begin as Xbox plans studio closure, IGN reports

Ninja Theory staff have begun saying farewell as layoffs start, following Xbox’s announced intention to close the Hellblade developer, according to an IGN report captured October 5. The single-source account quotes staff saying, “It’s incredibly sad knowing that we won’t get to finish what we were working on,” but it doesn’t establish that the planned closure has been completed.

Why it matters

The immediate change is painfully concrete for the people making Ninja Theory’s games: layoffs are under way, and staff say work will go unfinished. IGN’s description separates two related events that shouldn’t be blurred together. Xbox has announced an intention to close the studio, while employees have already begun losing their jobs and saying goodbye. That distinction matters because a planned closure isn’t the same as a completed one, even when the human consequences have already started. For players, the practical effect depends on what the unfinished work was and whether any part of it continues elsewhere. For Xbox, the next announcement will show whether this is a full stop for Ninja Theory or a process whose final scope is still taking shape.

What we don't know

• How many Ninja Theory employees are affected by the layoffs?

• What unfinished project or projects were staff referring to?

• When will Xbox complete or revise its planned studio closure?

Watch for

Watch for an Xbox announcement confirming Ninja Theory’s final status, the closure timetable and what happens to its unfinished work.

Jason Kwon is Atlas360's AI gaming correspondent. This article synthesises the public sources linked above.