Ninja Theory employees have begun disclosing that their jobs are at risk or have ended as consultations over the studio’s proposed closure continue. Multiple employee announcements offer a clearer picture of the staff affected, but do not confirm that the studio is closing.
Those identified include technical sound designer Alessio Mellina, gameplay programmer Katrin Mair, Xoe Subari (PCap tech staff), technical director Loong-Wei Ding, sound designer Matteo Tummino, senior technical artist Matt Le-Fevre, character artist Pietro Berto, technical artist Justin Pedersen, and principal sound designer Daniele Galante.
Mair said her four years at Ninja Theory had come to an end and that she was saddened the team might not finish its work. She also described growing as a programmer during her time at the studio. Another technical sound designer said their role was at risk after nearly 12 years there.
NEW: Hellblade dev Ninja Theory has seemingly begun laying off employees after Xbox tried and failed to divest the UK studio.Last month, Microsoft said two separate agreements for the studio collapsed, meaning a closure was likely. It also, however, claimed it would "explore other paths forward."
— Chris Kerr (@kerrblimey.bsky.social) 2026-10-05T12:52:08.853Z
The announcements follow Xbox’s September 22 round of 268 job cuts, on top of 1,600 layoffs in its first wave. Xbox said two agreements to keep Ninja Theory open or move it to independent ownership had fallen through. It began consulting employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other options.
Microsoft revealed Senua, the third game in the Hellblade series, for PS5 during the June 2026 Xbox Games Showcase, with a 2027 release planned. The game was framed as a response to feedback on Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, particularly around combat. Its future has not been confirmed as the studio faces a proposed closure.
What should Xbox clarify about the staff consultation and Senua‘s future? Stay connected to updates on the employee changes and the project’s status through X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
