Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is an upcoming adventure game that delves into the story of Senua, a warrior dealing with psychosis in her daily life. The game aims to depict the effects of psychosis on one’s perceptions of reality, and developer Ninja Theory is dedicated to portraying this condition with accuracy and respect.
Ninja Theory has been collaborating with Neuroscience specialist Paul Fletcher from the University of Cambridge for nearly a decade to ensure that their representation of psychosis is informed by scientific research. Additionally, the studio has been working closely with the RCE Wellbeing Hub to gain a deeper understanding of psychosis and the stigma surrounding it.
Avoiding Misrepresentation
One of the studio’s main goals is to prevent psychosis from being reduced to a mere gameplay mechanic in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Ninja Theory wants players to engage with the topic in a meaningful way, rather than simply using it as a plot device.
By depicting psychosis and its impact on Senua’s journey in a thoughtful and sensitive manner, Ninja Theory hopes to offer players a learning experience. The studio believes that engaging with complex topics such as mental health can broaden players’ understanding and empathy.
To showcase the extensive research that has gone into developing Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory has announced a special live event titled Hellblade: A Journey of the Mind. This livestream event, in partnership with Cambridge Neuroscience, will take place on 9 April 2024 PT/ET. It will provide insights into the process of creating a game that seeks to authentically portray psychosis.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 represents a significant step towards accurate and respectful representation of psychosis in video games. By collaborating with experts, striving to avoid misrepresentation, and offering players an educational experience, Ninja Theory is setting a new standard for how mental health can be depicted in interactive media. Through initiatives like the upcoming live event, the studio is not only showcasing their dedication to authenticity but also opening up important conversations about mental health in the gaming industry.
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