Microsoft reportedly planned to ‘sunset or split’ Ninja Theory

People familiar with Microsoft’s plans say the company had already planned to wind down or separate Ninja Theory before the studio unveiled Senua at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7.

Those people say the announcement of Senua, described as a third Hellblade entry, was intended to attract investor interest. They indicate the plan to sunset or split the studio was in place at the time of the reveal.

The account states it was unclear whether Ninja Theory leadership knew of or took part in any such planning.

After the showcase, Xbox Strategy Officer Michael Ball declined to expand on the console’s exclusivity approach and, when asked why Senua was not announced as an Xbox exclusive, replied “no further comment.” Microsoft has not issued a detailed public statement on the studio’s status.

This reporting appears amid broader speculation about possible changes at Xbox-owned studios. At the time of reporting there was no definitive public confirmation of any plan to wind down or split Ninja Theory.