A new report suggests Microsoft had already decided to part ways with Ninja Theory before revealing its next Senua game during the Xbox Games Showcase 2026.

According to Game File journalist Stephen Totilo, the announcement was reportedly part of a strategy to make the studio more attractive to potential buyers.

By showcasing a brand-new project in development, interested investors would have a clearer idea of what they could acquire alongside the studio.

The report comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding several Xbox-owned developers, including Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games, as Microsoft continues to restructure its gaming division.

Microsoft has not publicly commented on the claims, and no final decisions regarding the affected studios have been officially announced. For many fans, the situation is concerning given Ninja Theory’s track record.

The studio is best known for Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, earning a reputation for delivering unique story-driven experiences.

While the future of Ninja Theory remains uncertain, many are hoping the studio can either secure new investment or return to independence rather than face closure altogether.