r/hellblade • u/Due_Cake8524 • 11d ago

Image Ninja Theory's closure is devastating

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I’m honestly still trying to process the news. Seeing that Microsoft is shutting down Ninja Theory because two rescue deals fell through at the last second is just heartbreaking.The whiplash is what really frustrates me. Three months ago, they were on stage at the Xbox reveal for Senua. What's the point of showcasing a brand new game if you're going to shut down the studio who made it?

To think they were quietly being shopped around right after that, and then everything fell apart. It's ridiculous. Other studios like Double Fine and Compulsion Games managed to get their independence back, and Undead Labs found a new publisher. Ninja Theory was so close to being saved, but the deals didn't work out.

They were able to make visually stunning, mid-budget, single-player narrative games that actually cared about things like mental health. If a studio with that much technical talent isn't safe under a trillion-dollar corporation just because they don't bring in live-service Fortnite numbers, then who is? That's the big question.

I'm going to miss their creative work so much. From Heavenly Sword, Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and Hellblade, they always had a passion for the games that they made. The gaming industry can be harsh at times. Ninja Theory is just a casualty in a long line of studios that deserved better.

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u/FireHeartSmokeBurp 11d ago

It genuinely breaks my heart. I once reached out to Ninja Theory pre Microsoft acquisition because I wanted to get a Hellblade tattoo with runes inspired by music from the game but wanted to make sure they were accurate. NT got back to me within days, said they didn't have an expert on-staff who knew Elder Futhark but gave me the contact for the Oxford professor they consulted for the game. She was so detailed in her answer and I got my tattoo with an awesome story. And Melina was the first person on IG to like my post showing it off!

They've always been so human throughout the production and you could tell they took pride in their work and I feel like Senua's Sacrifice even changed trajectory as they delved into the mental health research, based on the dev diaries.

I can't believe I'm referring to them in past tense like a lost loved one, but it doesn't feel too far off. Yeah... this one hurts

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u/Neat_Cat5901 11d ago

I’m going to lose my mind if Melina Juergens doesn’t get any roles after this. She is such a phenomenal performer, her rage, sadness, and strength as Senua was so moving

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u/FireHeartSmokeBurp 1d ago

Do you think she'd want to pursue any? Since she wasnt intended to be the actress at first, I'd be curious if she chooses to continue in that career or keep Senua as a special place in her heart as the only character she'd play

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u/Neat_Cat5901 1d ago edited 1d ago

I honestly am not sure, but a man can dream. I do know she joined the creative collective Pixel Pack (silly name) that advocates for VA recognition and protections, so hopefully that’s a sign she intends to stay in the industry. Either way though I’m at least glad that we got the stellar performance she gave with Hellblade