Ninja Theory is a studio known mostly for its fluid and frantic action games (like the DmC reboot). Then came Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, a game that the studio announced will focus on mental health. It sold fairly well, and gave an entrancing vision into what could be done with the proper research behind it. This led to the announcement of a Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, exclusive to Xbox Series X. The sequel will continue the look at suffering, and how that suffering grows myths and gods from its fertile soil.
But there is even better news coming from Ninja Theory. While doubling-down on their foray into mental health, they have announced a new development— Project: MARA. There isn’t much known yet, except that it’s “experimental.” It will feature “one character and one location”, says Ninja Theory co-founder Tameem Antoniades, and will be “heavily based on research, interviews, and first-hand accounts.”
Using this approach, they plan to “recreate the horrors of the mind as accurately and believably as possible.” You can see the short teaser below.
This is on top of Project Insight, something Ninja Theory is saying will help people recognise and control anxieties; it’s hard to think of another developer pushing their own boundaries to this extent. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to make compelling stories by using facets of humanity that are usually nothing more than a gimmick.
I may have to get an Xbox next generation- Microsoft has made a great acquisition in Ninja Theory. For more gaming news you can keep up to date at Informed Pixel. You can let us know what you think about Project: MARA over on the Informed Pixel Facebook page or on the Informed Pixel Twitter account.
