Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine are reportedly in talks with XBOX to become independent

These are essentially last-ditch negotiations for several Xbox studios. First of al, the American company is preparing to shut down several of its studios. The names of Compulsion Games and Arkane Studios have been making the rounds.

Now, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier reports that several of these studios are currently negotiating with Microsoft in an effort to regain their independence. The list includes Compulsion Games (South of Midnight), Double Fine (Psychonauts, Kiln), and Ninja Theory. The latter, however, announced Senua, the next game in the Hellblade series, during the Xbox Games Showcase.

Schreier adds that other studios are reportedly discussing their separation from XBOX to avoid closure. Thus, the developers in question could buy back their companies, but likely at the cost of numerous layoffs to stay afloat. Employees have also been allowed to look for new jobs. Furthermore, insider NateTheHate claims that Double Fine Productions has a buyout clause, similar to the one triggered by Toys for Bob, to allow them to leave Microsoft.

Finally, Jason Schreier concluded by stating that “the Xbox of July will be radically different from that of June”, so we should expect even more significant upheavals in the days and weeks ahead.