To celebrate the launch ofSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory’s Studio Head Dom Matthews has shared a thank you message to fans. Unfortunately, as we are in the midst of unprecedented layoffs and closures within the industry, fans are concerned that this was more of a farewell message fromNinja Theory.
“From the very beginning of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 we have had you in mind and I truly hope that when you play the 2nd chapter of Senua’s story, you will find that familiar connection once again,” Ninja Theory’s Studio Head Dom Matthew said in anew post on X(formerly Twitter).
Hellblade 2 Shouldn’t Count On Photorealism To Win Players Over
Realism is one of many valid art forms and not the only recipe for success.
But thanks to the post’s black background, white text, and red border, fans were reminded of thecountless other apologiesandclosure announcementsthat were eerily similar in style. “Never have I read something that on its surface should be excitement for a studio’s game release sound like their last words instead,” video game journalistJames said on X.
James echoed the sentiments of many other users on the platform, as bothPatandXeroSPreferred to the post as an “obituary” for Ninja Theory. Others, such asDetective Seeds, said the message felt more like a goodbye. They then clarified that while it might not necessarily be a goodbye from Ninja Theory, the somber tone could indicate this is the final chapter for Senua.
Is This A Secret Goodbye From Ninja Theory?
While there’s a clear concern from fans on social media, this is not a goodbye from Ninja Theory. At least, that’s according toWindows Central, who recently addressed fan’s concerns by claiming that Ninja Theory’s next game “has already been greenlit.” The publication then went on to state that there are “no plans whatsoever to close the studio any time soon.”
Assuming that Windows Central’s report is accurate, this would mean that Ninja Theory is currently working on two titles. Back in 2020, the studio released thefirst teaser trailerfor Project: MARA, an upcoming experimental title that will aim to explore new ways of storytelling.
“Project: MARA will be a real-world and grounded representation of mental terror, based on real lived experience accounts and in-depth research with the aim of recreating the horrors of the mind as accurately and realistically as possible,” Ninja Theory said in the teaser video’s description.
Should You Be Concerned Anyway?
So, what’s all the fuss about, and should you still be concerned for Ninja Theory’s future anyway?
As I mentioned previously, there has been an influx of layoffs and closures within the video game industry recently. The most recent bombshell dropped on fans was that Tango Gameworks, the studio behind hits such as Ghostwire: Tokyo, The Evil Within, and, most recently,Hi-Fi Rush, was being shut down.
Despite Hi-Fi Rush being critically acclaimed and bagging multiple awards, it wasn’t enough to prevent the closure of its development studio.
This also isn’t the first studio closure or heavy layoffs that have come under Microsoft. Back in January, 343 Industries, the development studio behind Halo: Infinite, was forced to lay off 95 members of staff. This same round of layoffs also affected Bethesda, which most recently shipped Starfield late last year. (via Bloomberg)
So while Ninja Theory seems safe for now, there’s just no way to know when layoffs or, god forbid, a complete studio closure could hit. Having new games in developmenthasn’t stopped companies from closing studios in the past, so why would it be any different for Ninja Theory?
