The Importance of Accurately Depicting Psychosis in Video Games: A Look at Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is an upcoming adventure game that delves into the story of Senua, a warrior who struggles with psychosis. The game aims to portray the effects of psychosis on an individual’s perception of reality with accuracy and respect. This is a challenging task, as psychosis is a complex mental health condition that is often misunderstood and stigmatized in society.

To ensure that the portrayal of psychosis in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is authentic, the game developer, Ninja Theory, has been collaborating with Neuroscience specialist Paul Fletcher from the University of Cambridge for almost a decade. This partnership has allowed the studio to gain valuable insights into the intricacies of psychosis and how it affects an individual’s mind. Additionally, Ninja Theory has been working closely with the RCE Wellbeing Hub to deepen their understanding of psychosis and the stigma surrounding it.

One of the key goals of Ninja Theory in developing Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is to avoid reducing psychosis to a mere gameplay mechanic. The studio recognizes the importance of portraying the condition in a nuanced and respectful manner, rather than sensationalizing it for entertainment purposes. By depicting how psychosis impacts Senua’s journey in a meaningful way, Ninja Theory hopes to provide players with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with this condition.

A Learning Experience for Players

In an effort to further educate players about psychosis and the research that has informed the development of the game, Ninja Theory has announced a special live event titled Hellblade: A Journey of the Mind. This livestream event, scheduled for 9 April 2024 PT/ET, will highlight the collaboration with Cambridge Neuroscience and shed light on the extensive research that has gone into creating an authentic portrayal of psychosis in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 represents a significant step forward in the portrayal of mental health issues in video games. By working closely with experts and conducting thorough research, Ninja Theory is setting a new standard for how psychosis can be depicted in interactive storytelling. Through this immersive experience, players have the opportunity to gain insight into a complex and often misrepresented condition, fostering empathy and understanding for those who live with psychosis in their day-to-day lives.