In a surprising turn of events, a prominent industry insider has claimed that Ninja Theory is now actively developing a third instalment in its acclaimed Hellblade series. This news emerges despite the commercial challenges faced by its predecessor and follows significant upheaval within parent company Microsoft.
From Rumour to Reality: The Path to Hellblade 3
The revelation came from Jez Corden of Windows Central during a recent appearance on the Xbox Two podcast. Corden indicated that, contrary to any doubts about the studio's future following Microsoft's 2025 layoffs, Ninja Theory is not only operational but has its sights set on continuing Senua's story.
Perhaps the most intriguing detail is the studio's alleged new direction for the franchise. According to the report, the team wants Hellblade 3 to be 'more interactive' and 'more of a game' in an effort to broaden its appeal. While the title may not be finalised, it is expected to be set within the Hellblade universe. This shift suggests a response to critiques of the previous games, where combat in the 2024 sequel was seen as diluted and puzzles were not a standout feature.
Project: Mara Paused Indefinitely
This development comes at the apparent cost of another highly anticipated project. Project: Mara, first teased in 2020 as an experimental title exploring mental terror, has reportedly been shelved. Corden stated that the project is currently 'nothing more than a concept' and is not in active development, though Ninja Theory may revisit it later.
The decision to prioritise Hellblade 3 is likely a pragmatic one. Sales data for Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga painted a difficult picture. Despite its technical mastery, the game only reached 37th place in the US sales charts during its launch month of May 2024, according to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella. In Europe, it failed to break into the top 100 at launch, as reported by The Game Business's Chris Dring.
A Challenging Road Ahead for Ninja Theory
The commercial performance of the last game casts a long shadow over the prospects for a sequel. Even if Hellblade 3 manages to become a hit, there is no guarantee of Ninja Theory's long-term security under Microsoft, which has shown a willingness to cancel even highly praised projects like the rumoured 'Blackbird'.
For now, the development of a new Hellblade title should secure the Cambridge-based studio's immediate future. However, fans should brace for a potentially long wait; there was a seven-year gap between the first Hellblade and its sequel, suggesting a release date for a third game is still years away.
