DECADE DEFINING GAMES: HELLBLADE

     Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is without a doubt, one of the most impactful games of the decade. Ninja Theory’s Independent AAA title is a true masterpiece. Featuring a warrior afflicted with severe psychological trauma, Hellblade takes a subject matter that many would hesitate to tackle, and handles it tactfully and respectfully. Hellblade was created not only as a brilliant work of gaming art and achievement, but also as a visualization of some of the ordeals those suffering from mental illness can experience. Senua starts the game off as a severely disturbed woman, who has suffered immense emotional trauma, and is struggling to overcome grief. As her journey into Nordic Hell unfolds, Senua must conquer her “demons” both real and imagined. When the end credits roll, Senua has become a confident, resolute warrior able to let go of her fears, and step forward to her new future.

     In their research toward making Hellblade, Ninja Theory consulted with numerous psychological experts, historians, and even those currently affected by mental illness, to make positively sure that the story and message was properly conveyed and also respectful and in good taste. Not only was it well received, it won many awards in these fields of study, to go along with their awards in the gaming industry. Ninja Theory has donated money from the project to mental health campaigns, and has started a new project, Insight, which will also focus on this field of awareness and work. To this studio, this is something taken seriously and viewed as a social work.