Ninja Theory Co-Founder Tameem Antoniades Exits The Developer After Two Decades

At Xbox, the platform continues to shape itself for its next major release – this time with Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. After the game’s initial announcement predating back to late 2019, the Ninja Theory title is set to release later this May. One of the biggest caveats from the new installment for the property is that the game is only supported for 30hz; which is surprising for a game embracing Unreal Engine 5.

Of course, another callback to the direction Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is platforms. In a previous trailer at The Game Awards, it was confirmed for an Xbox-only release alongside PC. Since then Microsoft has reiterated on it only shipping for its ecosystem. Additionally, another jaw-widening decision is the game only being digital with no plans for a physical release.

Now ahead of the game’s release, Ninja Theory co-founder Tameem Antoniades is confirmed to be departing from the game studio after two decades. In an article from Polygon, it reports on Antoniades departure after working on the new release during its early portion. Microsoft then confirmed on Antoniades exiting. Via Instagram, Antoniades made a statement on the matter, thanks @Septic_Sauce on X.

“Cat’s out the bag! Yes, I’ve left Ninja Theory, the company I founded and led creatively for 20 years,” he wrote. “Exhausted, proud and satisfied, I was ready to step off after Hellblade but stayed on for 2 more years to make sure the foundations were in place to fulfill our mission to craft life-changing art with game-changing tech which you’ll see in Hellblade 2 very soon.

“I’m forever proud of and grateful to the Ninjas, and i want the world to know Ninja Theory is safe and sound in the best hands possible. Huge shout to Microsoft for taking care of our baby and letting us grow to become who we are! As for me, whatever I do next, I’ll always be a Ninja.” Noted, this is not the first major leader at an Xbox-acquired team departing.

Last year, Resident Evil veteran Shinji Mikami announced his departure from Tango Gameworks after founding the developer over a decade prior. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you surprised by Antoniades announcement?

Source: Polygon