Xbox sets world record for shortest time between a AAA game reveal and its studio's closure

Xbox is currently going through a major restructuring phase as the publisher seeks to "reset" the brand to better position it for the future. Unsurprisingly, a part of this restructuring is the closure of studios, but what was surprising was the studios that were selected.

A new report from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier has revealed that Microsoft has decided to close down major game development studios as part of Xbox's restructuring and its expenditure control measures. The studios selected are Compulsion Games, developer of South of Midnight; Double Fine, developer of Brütal Legend and Psychonauts; and, most shockingly, Ninja Theory, developer of the Hellblade franchise. The closure of Ninja Theory is particularly shocking as it was only eight days ago that Senua, Ninja Theory's upcoming Hellblade game, was showcased at the Xbox Game Showcase.

The studio's closure has cast a shadow of concern over Senua, as many are now wondering about the title's fate. Does it get canceled entirely? Or will it release as intended? Notably, Microsoft and Xbox haven't officially canceled Senua, meaning on paper the game is still on track to release sometime in 2027. What is unprecedented here, and will be an unwanted record for Xbox to hold, is the time between a AAA game's first public reveal and the announcement or reported decision to shut down the developer behind that upcoming title. Just eight days.

The runner-up on that list of shortest time between unveiling and studio closure announcements is Necessary Force by Midway Newcastle in 2009, which had a gap of just 27 days. In third place is Unit 13 by Zipper Interactive (2011), with a 129-day gap.