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As of October 7, 2026, Ninja Theory has not been officially confirmed as closed, and its next game has not been confirmed as canceled. Xbox said two agreements to transfer the studio to new ownership fell through. It will consult employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other options. The studio’s future—and the effect on the planned 2027 game, Senua—remains unresolved.
Is Ninja Theory shutting down?
Not yet, according to Xbox’s latest formal update. On September 22, 2026, Xbox executive Matt Booty said: “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.” Xbox’s announcement describes a proposed closure and an employee consultation process—not a completed shutdown. It also says Xbox is still considering alternatives.
The distinction matters: the announcement does not establish that the studio has legally or operationally closed, that a new owner has been found, or what decision Xbox will make after consultation.
What has been reported about employee layoffs?
On October 5, PC Gamer reported that multiple Ninja Theory employees had posted during the previous week that they had been let go or were at risk of losing their jobs. The report notes that UK consultation takes place before actual layoffs and that affected employees are not certain to be dismissed until the process concludes. These are reported employee accounts, not an official final headcount or confirmation that every role will be eliminated. PC Gamer’s report
#1 Best Overall
- From the makers of Heavenly Sword, enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and dmc: Devil may Cry, comes a warrior's brutal journey into myth and madness
- Set in the viking age, a broken celtic Warrior embarks on a haunting vision quest into viking hell to fight for the soul of her Dead lover
- Created in collaboration with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, hellblade: senua's sacrifice will pull you deep into senua's mind
- A beautifully realized “award winning” experience
What happens to the Hellblade games?
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is already released
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II launched on May 21, 2024. Ninja Theory lists it as released in 2024 on its games page. The studio’s proposed closure does not change the fact that this game has already been released.
Xbox later announced a PlayStation 5 Standard Edition for August 12, 2025, with an announced price of $49.99. The announcement does not specify whether that edition is a physical disc. Xbox’s PS5 edition announcement
Rank #2
![Senua's Saga: Hellblade II - Standard – Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/418lFDUZVIL._SL160_.jpg)
- The sequel to the award-winning Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.
- A crafted experience of cinematic immersion.
- A brutal journey of survival through a land plagued by the horrors of myth and tyranny.
- Experience the world through Senua’s unique perspective.
- Beautifully realized locations, characters, and sound.
The next game is titled Senua
Ninja Theory and Xbox announced Senua in June 2026. It is a separate title, not a game announced under the name Hellblade III. Xbox describes it as an action-adventure set in the Hellblade universe and taking place after the first two games. Xbox’s announcement and interview
Studio head Dom Matthews described a broader action-adventure structure, with more combat depth, puzzle-solving, exploration, and a larger interconnected world. He characterized it as a single map and a linear story with more freedom to explore, and said the map is roughly twice the size of Hellblade II’s. Those are the developer’s descriptions of the planned game, not independently verified gameplay findings.
Rank #3
- Silent narrative. Mind-solving puzzles.
- No text – No HUD. Only immersion.
- Nature as a game mechanic.
- Includes game manual.
- Languages: English, French, German, and Spanish.
Will Senua still come out in 2027?
Xbox announced a 2027 release plan for Senua, but that is not a confirmed day or month—and the studio-status update leaves the plan’s future uncertain. Xbox listed the game for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, cloud, Steam, PlayStation 5, and Game Pass. Ninja Theory’s games page currently labels it “Releasing TBA,” rather than giving a firm release date. Xbox’s announcement · Ninja Theory’s games page
Xbox has not announced what will happen to the studio, its staff, ownership, or Senua after the consultation process. The available announcements therefore do not support either a claim that the game is canceled or a guarantee that it will ship in 2027.
Quick Recap
What to watch for next
- The consultation outcome: Xbox’s September 22 statement says consultation on a proposed closure would begin; it does not announce the process’s conclusion.
- A change in ownership or another path forward: Xbox said two transfer agreements fell through, while also saying it would keep exploring other options.
- A revised game update: The 2027 plan and listed platforms may be subject to change; Ninja Theory’s listing does not currently provide a firm date.
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