After setting the bar so high with 2017’s Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Ninja Theory gave fans the highly anticipated sequel, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, in May 2024. Hellblade 2 was among the best-rated video games of 2024, thanks to its exceptional art direction, stunning visuals, and intriguing sound design, but over the past few months, fans have been wondering what’s next for the franchise.
The latest job listing from Ninja Theory might answer that question because many news outlets believe that the studio is looking for developers to start the development of the next Hellblade game. Hellblade 2‘s only drawback was its short playtime, so players are hoping that the next game is worth its hefty price tag.
Ninja Theory is looking for a Senior Combat Designer
Ninja Theory, the developer behind 2024’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, has revealed in a job listing on Workable that the studio is looking for a Senior or above Combat Designer. With a new Combat Designer, the studio aims to push the boundaries of “what is possible in melee combat and gameplay design.”
Since Ninja Theory primarily works on Unreal Engine 5, the studio also wants the developer to have knowledge of Unreal Engine 5 or an equivalent. The listing will be removed on 20th March 2025.
This job listing has created a lot of hype among fans of the Hellblade franchise, as many believe that this is the first step towards the development of the next Hellblade game.
Apart from its short playtime, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II was also criticized for its combat mechanics, so it makes sense why Ninja Theory is looking for a new combat designer. Fans are convinced primarily because rumors have claimed that Ninja Theory has started working on the next game in the series.
Hellblade 3‘s development has reportedly started
Around the release date of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, an industry insider, Gaz, a.k.a Septic Sauce, claimed on X that Xbox has greenlit the development of the third Hellblade game. At the moment, Ninja Theory hasn’t confirmed anything, but recently, the studio head of Ninja Theory, Dom Matthews, might have given fans a hint about how Ninja Theory’s future projects will be carried out.
Matthews appeared in an official YouTube video with Xbox head Phil Spencer to talk about Microsoft’s Muse AI. During the conversation, Matthews explained that the studio is eager to use AI, not to generate content but to create workflows and approaches that allow the team to do more.
With AI being so widely integrated into video games, players are worried that it will completely change the way developers design video games. However, Matthews has assured players that Ninja Theory’s approach is different.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
