Hellblade 2 is scheduled to drop on May 21st, 2024, but developers Ninja Theory cannot rest easy following the actions of Microsoft at Bethesda. The software conglomerate recently expressed its desire to become a gaming powerhouse, as it had previously bought up several game development studios.
However, it seems like the honeymoon phase is over as massive cuts at Bethesda see Microsoft shut down popular game development studios like Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks. This has scared fans regarding what the future holds in store for Ninja Theory.
They took to community forums to discuss the developments and the consequences of Hellblade 2 on Ninja Theory.
Fans Feel Future Is Bleak for Ninja Theory and Hellblade 2
With the news of massive cuts at Bethesda reaching the fans, a number of them are increasingly worried regarding what fate awaits Ninja Theory after Hellblade 2 has been released. The developers themselves haven’t spoken out on the matter, but several fans have voiced their concerns on social media.
Hey imagine being Ninja Theory today. They could drop the best game of the year this month and still close down if someone at Microsoft moves their arbitrary “Well it’s not Call of Duty” numbers goalpost.
— Imran Khan (@imranzomg) May 7, 2024
This argument by the fan seems pretty logical considering the fact that Call of Duty is a huge money-making franchise. It might not have the best games, graphics, or storyline, but it will still generate a massive amount of money for Bethesda and Microsoft simply because of its legacy and craze.
Hellblade 2, on the other hand, is a much smaller game when compared to the likes of COD. And, it is a single-player campaign game. This means that the executives at Microsoft are already wondering whether the game will bring in enough revenue. They will, quite understandably, not care whether the game is a masterpiece. If it doesn’t make them money, the axe might come down hard on Ninja Theory.
I hate to doom, but what is Phil telling a studio like Ninja Theory right now?
— John Welfare (@Welfare_JBP) May 7, 2024
We all know Hellblade 2 isn't going to sell. It's a vanity project at best, not some 5-10M seller.
Should we expect that studio to close 12 months from now?
This fan plainly stated what everyone has been thinking. Fans of the Hellblade franchise know that the game might be a genius in terms of storytelling, complexity, and gameplay, but it will never amass numbers like some ‘AAA-title’. Although the game is supposed to feature ultrawide resolution support, Hellblade 2 doesn’t have much hope of crunching numbers like multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Palworld did this year.
At Least Ninja Theory Can Go out With a Bang
Whether Microsoft would disband Ninja Theory remains to be seen. But for now, the studio is hard at work finalizing the release of Hellblade 2. However, this is not the first hurdle that the developers of the game have faced, as previously some unwarranted Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree comparisons have also come their way.
But nothing has deterred the developers from carrying on, and within a fortnight, fans can expect to get their hands on the second installment of the Hellblade franchise.
In the meantime, fans will do well to keep an eye out for future announcements by Microsoft, as the gaming community finally starts to see the true colors of the conglomerate, which have been trying hard for a long time to showcase themselves as allies of gamers.
What do you think of Microsoft’s decision regarding the closure of smaller game development studios? Do you think Ninja Theory will be on the chopping board next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
