Report: Ninja Theory lays off workers after failing to spin off from Xbox

gamedeveloper.com Oct 6, 2026

Report: Ninja Theory lays off workers after failing to spin off from Xbox

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 6, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Ninja Theory, the studio behind Hellblade and the upcoming Senua title, announced layoffs after Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios failed to secure a buyer or independent status for the company. The developer, acquired by Microsoft in 2018 for $117 million, has been part of a broader Xbox “reset” that cut 3,200 jobs across the division. While Undead Labs successfully spun off, attempts to divest Ninja Theory collapsed, prompting the studio to reduce staff. Employees on LinkedIn reported job risks, with no specific number of positions disclosed. The move signals a shift in Microsoft’s first‑party strategy.

💡 Why It Matters

· The layoffs underscore Microsoft’s tightening focus on core first‑party titles, potentially reshaping the future of high‑profile IPs like Hellblade.

Read full article on gamedeveloper.com

Ex-PlayStation boss says Sony killing discs raises the “insidious” discussion of game…

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment chairman Shawn Layden criticized the company’s decision to eliminate physical discs, arguing that the 20% of consumers who still purchase games in physical form represent a vital segment of dedicated collectors. Layden highlighted that disc ownership changes the nature of game ownership, shifting it from owning a tangible product to merely accessing a digital asset. He expressed concern that this shift could damage Sony’s brand and influence competitors, while noting that Sony’s financial motivations remain unclear.

💡 The move threatens to alienate a loyal collector base that fuels high‑margin sales, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to physical media.

gamesradar.com · Oct 6

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation ditching PS5 exclusivity was “inevitable,” Naoki Hamaguchi says

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will launch simultaneously on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, breaking the series’ prior pattern of exclusive releases that later migrated to other platforms. Director Naoki Hamaguchi said the shift reflects the modern gaming environment, where players use diverse hardware and developers must deliver a consistent experience across it all. Square Enix has pledged an aggressive multiplatform strategy, and the title’s physical edition will eventually transition to disc‑less formats.

💡 By releasing on all major platforms from day one, the game expands its audience and sets a new industry benchmark for cross‑platform launch strategy.

playstationlifestyle.net · Oct 6

Wild West PlayStation 5 RPG Adds Bandit Camps, Robberies, and More in…

Playtonic Games released the Bandits & Bounties update for its 2025 PS5 title Cattle Country, adding bandit camps, random store robberies, and bounty hunting mechanics. Players can collect wanted posters at the Sheriff’s building, track bandits across the map, and capture them. New tools include a Toolbelt for on‑the‑go crafting, an animal trap, and a rock tumbler that reveals rare gems. Additional content features new outfits, a tailoring table, an Extra Large Bag, and seasonal fishing events. The update also fixes long‑standing bugs.

💡 The update deepens the game’s frontier‑simulation core by turning passive ranch life into an active, risk‑reward experience, encouraging players to engage with the world’s dynamic threats and rewards.

eurogamer.net · Oct 6

Halo Studios says “it is absolutely our intent” to release new Halo…

Halo Studios, now under Activision after a large Xbox restructuring, has confirmed it will push forward with the Halo: Fireteam Noble novel and the Burn the Road Home novella despite recent layoffs. Franchise writer Alex Wakeford pledged to see both projects completed, noting significant editorial progress on Fireteam Noble. The company also affirmed that the December Halo Fest event will proceed. The move follows concerns over a rumored lore reboot and the future of Halo’s expanded narrative.

💡 The decision signals that Halo’s literary universe will survive corporate upheaval, preserving fan engagement and continuity. It also demonstrates Activision’s commitment to maintaining the franchise’s broader storytelling ecosystem.

ign.com · Oct 6

Hideo Kojima Says You’ll See Him Cameo in a ‘Big’ Live-Action Movie…

Hideo Kojima revealed during the Koji10 podcast that he will appear in a “big” live‑action movie, though he withheld the title. The veteran game designer, known for Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, said he has already filmed several projects and that directors have requested his participation. He hinted at future roles in two major anime titles and a game cameo, while continuing work on his espionage game Physint and horror title OD. Fans speculate the cameo could be in high‑profile releases such as Dune: Part 3 or The Legend of Zelda film.

💡 Kojima’s crossover into mainstream cinema signals a growing trend of game creators influencing blockbuster storytelling, potentially reshaping audience expectations for both industries.

playstationlifestyle.net · Oct 6

PlayStation Plus Essential October Free Games Rolling Out Now

PlayStation Plus Essential’s October 2026 free‑games roster began rolling out on Tuesday, October 6, with the first releases in Japan and other Asian markets. Unlike the staggered launches for the Extra and Premium tiers, the Essential catalog updates simultaneously worldwide at noon local time when the PlayStation Store refreshes. Subscribers can claim three titles: the official 2025 FIA Formula One game F1 25, the new extraction shooter Hunt: Showdown 1896 (available in Japan), and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 for PS5 and PS4. Each game offers distinct modes, from F1 25’s career and My Team 2.0 features to Hunt’s solo or co‑op bounty hunts and EDF’s team‑building combat against giant enemies. The September lineup remains claimable until its deadline. Download before expiration to enjoy them today.

💡 Simultaneous global rollout gives all subscribers equal access, strengthening Sony’s push to keep the Essential tier relevant as players compare subscription benefits across platforms.