Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory’s much-awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, is on the verge of release. There are just a few weeks till D-Day (May 21st), and rumors are already floating that the Microsoft exclusive is already being considered for porting elsewhere.
With the recent wave of studio closures, it’s not spelling good news for the state of Ninja Theory or Hellblade. If Microsoft is already planning on porting the game, I don’t need to say more about what could happen (Hint: Tango Gameworks).
Even Before Launch, Hellblade 2’s Exclusive Status Isn’t Guaranteed
The Hellblade game has always been sort of a niche, but it is undoubtedly one of Microsoft’s most interesting exclusives. The first game is a dark and haunting journey through the mind of its protagonist, Senua, as she goes on a desperate quest to save the soul of her deceased lover.
As a psychological action-adventure, you’re put right in the shoes of Senua and her struggle with psychosis. It’s a painfully beautiful and respectful depiction of themes like mental illness, trauma, and resilience. With a Metacritic score of 81, it was undoubtedly a game that was loved by many.
It seems that the exclusive tag may not be part of its kit anymore, as Tom Warren has hinted that Microsoft has been considering putting the game out on PS5 too:
I understand Hellblade II is another game that Microsoft has been considering for the PS5. If that ever happens, at this point, it’s not clear if even that would be considered a success.
While this would normally spell out good news for the studio behind it, after seeing how it went with Hi-Fi Rush and Tango Gameworks, it’s not so convincing that Ninja Theory will stay afloat for much longer.
It Isn’t Looking Good for Ninja Theory, and Fans Are Worried
When Hi-Fi Rush was ported to the PS5, it was exciting. Tango Gameworks is a relatively small studio, and making its game more accessible to more platforms meant more money for the studio.
The fresh, funky rhythm-based action game had just the kind of creativity and innovation that the gaming industry desperately needs more of.
Hi-Fi RUSH was a break out hit for us and our players in all key measurements and expectations. We couldn’t be happier with what the team at Tango Gameworks delivered with this surprise release.
— Aaron Greenberg 🙅🏼♂️💚U (@aarongreenberg) April 21, 2023
It performed well with a Metacritic score of 87%, it won awards, and even the Xbox Games VP of Marketing said it was a “break out hit” in terms of key measurements and expectations. Hi-Fi Rush did everything right, yet was unfortunately one of the multiple studios closed by the gaming brand just a few days ago.
If this was the case for a game that was performing well across all metrics, what does that mean for Ninja Theory? We don’t know now, but what we do know is that no matter how Hellblade 2 performs, there’s no guarantee that it’ll be enough to spare the studio from the axe.
What do you think about Microsoft’s decision to port Hellblade 2 for the PS5? Let us know in the comments below!
