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Xbox in talks to close Double Fine and Ninja Theory, studios may go independent

Xbox in talks to close Double Fine and Ninja Theory, studios may go independent
#action-adventure #fantasy #pc #xbox
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Three Xbox-owned studios — Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games — are currently facing potential closure, with staff already permitted to look for new jobs while leadership negotiates to salvage what they can, according to Bloomberg.

Kotaku reported earlier today that Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, was being prepared for shutdown. Bloomberg then confirmed that Double Fine, the Psychonauts developer, and Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade, are in the same boat. The Ninja Theory situation is particularly striking given that the studio just revealed a new game — simply titled Senua — slated for release next year. One possible outcome is that the studios go independent, though that path would still likely mean significant layoffs.

All three are part of Microsoft's Xbox Games Studios umbrella and have built strong critical reputations over the years. The news lands amid a prolonged wave of Xbox cuts — Microsoft has already shuttered multiple studios and laid off hundreds of gaming division employees over the past year.

The story is still developing, and the outcome of the negotiations remains unclear.

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