Xbox to close Ninja Theory after failing to secure a buyer
Microsoft’s Xbox division said on 2026-09-23 it will close developer Ninja Theory after failing to find a buyer, a decision tied to an earlier announcement to shut four first-party studios; Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty said the company received two offers but no deal was finalized.
Microsoft announced earlier this year that it would close four of its first-party studios; three of those studios have reportedly been sold but Ninja Theory did not secure a successful acquisition. Ninja Theory is best known for Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, titles the article says received critical acclaim for their storytelling and visuals. At a recent Xbox Games Showcase, Xbox and Ninja Theory revealed the next Hellblade franchise entry, titled Senua.
A buyer for Ninja Theory fell through and Xbox stated the studio will be closed if no purchase is finalized. According to Matt Booty, Microsoft received two offers for the studio; neither was completed. Xbox has said it is still accepting offers while the studio remains at risk of closure if no deal emerges.
Details about the development status of the newly revealed title Senua have not been made clear by Xbox or Ninja Theory. The article states that if there is no buyer or funding, the game will most probably get cancelled. Xbox has not provided further information on how development might proceed in the absence of an acquisition.
Xbox is still seeking a last-minute buyer with the door described as open for potential acquirers, but the report says the situation does not look good following the failure of two deals. The article notes public reaction online has included expressions of dismay about the studio’s possible closure and the uncertain fate of the Senua project.
If no buyer emerges, Ninja Theory will be closed and Xbox has not yet announced whether the Senua project would continue under another team or be canceled; the company’s acceptance of offers remains in place while the studio’s future is decided.