A report on Game File has claimed that Microsoft has already planned to close or sell off developer Ninja Theory by the time it announced its new title, Senua, during the Xbox Games Showcase.
Ninja Theory was among a number of Xbox-owned studios reported to be in danger of closing alongside Compulsion Games and Double Fine, and are currently looking to go independent to avoid shutting down. What we didn’t know at the time, however, is that Microsoft had already been planning Ninja Theory’s fate by the time it announced its latest project.
“By the time that game was revealed, Microsoft had already planned to sunset or split with the studio. The thinking was that the promise of a newly announced game would help draw investor interest in the studio,” said the report. It also noted that Ninja Theory may not have even been aware of Microsoft’s plans for the company.
Asha Sharma, CEO of Xbox, reportedly stated in an email recently that she is aiming on “resetting the business,” and is bringing back Xbox console exclusives as part of these plans. Both Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution for example will not be coming to rival formats.