Report: Multiple Xbox Studios In ‘Active Negotiations’ With Microsoft To Avoid Closure
Update []: The Verge is reporting that Ninja Theory is set to be closed, with employees said to have been informed of the situation earlier today.
“Xbox is closing down Ninja Theory, the studio behind the Hellblade series, a source tells The Verge. Staffers were told on a call on Monday about the closure, but they are hoping the studio will find a buyer.”
Original Story: Today has been absolutely dominated by reports that one or more Xbox studios could be closed soon by Microsoft, and Bloomberg is now reporting that at least three are in active negotiations with Microsoft over their futures.
The outlet names Compulsion Games (which was already rumoured to be shutting down), Double Fine (Psychonauts, Keeper, Kiln) and Ninja Theory (Hellblade) as these studios, with several others also “at risk of being shuttered”. It was previously rumoured earlier today that Arkane could be in trouble as well.
The report mentions that the studios may have an opportunity to buy themselves back from Microsoft and go independent, but this could also result in a lot of job losses. It’s a situation that’s still said to be “in flux”, although some employees have already been given permission to look for work elsewhere.
This is clearly a situation that’s going to keep developing over the coming days, weeks and maybe even hours, so we’ll keep an eye on it. For what it’s worth, any decisions are expected to be finalised by the end of the month.
