Ninja Theory’s PS5 title Senua reportedly at risk

Ninja Theory announced Senua, the third game in its Hellblade series, at the Xbox Showcase on June 7. According to people familiar with Microsoft’s plans, the company had decided before the event to seek a buyer for the studio or to close it.

Those sources say Microsoft allowed the Senua announcement to run at the showcase to help attract potential acquirers. A source described the thinking as: “The promise of a newly announced game would help draw investor interest.”

It is not clear whether Ninja Theory can find a buyer or return to independence. If no buyer appears, the studio could be closed and development on Senua could stop.

Reports identify other small and mid-sized studios in Microsoft’s gaming division as potentially affected by planned layoffs and closures, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine. Microsoft has not provided details on timelines or conditions for any sale.

Ninja Theory joined Microsoft in 2018 and is known for Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. Senua was presented as a current-generation action-adventure being developed for PS5.

Microsoft and Ninja Theory have not issued detailed public responses to the recent reporting. Until a buyer emerges or Microsoft provides a formal statement, the status of Senua and the studio’s future remains uncertain.