Ninja Theory Begins Layoffs as Xbox Studio Faces Possible Closure
Xbox-owned Hellblade developer Ninja Theory has started cutting staff, with employees confirming layoffs and redundancy risk on LinkedIn.
Ninja Theory, the Xbox subsidiary studio behind the Hellblade series, has begun laying off employees, according to gamerant.com. Former staff confirmed the layoffs or the risk of redundancy in personal LinkedIn posts.
Technical sound director Alessio Mellina said he was at risk of redundancy after nearly 12 years at the studio. Gameplay programmer Katrin Mair stated she was laid off after four years at Ninja Theory.
Mair said she was sad knowing the team would not get to finish what they were working on.
Earlier signals of trouble
In September 2026, Microsoft said two separate agreements for the studio collapsed, meaning a closure was likely, and claimed it would explore other paths forward.
In June 2026, Ninja Theory had announced Senua at the Xbox Games Showcase.
Quick answers
Is Ninja Theory closing?
A closure is possible. In September 2026, Microsoft said two separate agreements for the studio collapsed, meaning a closure was likely, and that it would explore other paths forward. Layoffs have now begun.
Who has been laid off at Ninja Theory?
Gameplay programmer Katrin Mair said she was laid off after four years at the studio. Technical sound director Alessio Mellina said he was at risk of redundancy after nearly 12 years.