Hellblade explores psychosis in new E3 trailer

Ninja Theory looks to explore mental health issues with new game Hellblade

Days ahead of E3, indie studio Ninja Theory has released a new trailer for Hellblade, an intriguing game that explores key themes related to mental health and psychosis.

"Inspired by historical events, Hellblade tells the story of Senua, a Celtic warrior who is left traumatised by a Viking invasion," Ninja Theory says of the third-person action game coming to PS4 and PC. According to the developer, Hellblade "will follow Senua’s journey into a vision of hell that is the manifestation of her own mental illness."

“In Hellblade we are pursuing creative independence in order to explore a compelling subject matter and gaming experience that would not be possible under the current retail model," explained Chief Creative Director Tameem Antoniades who is leading a small team of 15 developers under a model that Ninja Theory is referring to as "Independent AAA."

"This approach sees the game being created with all the creative freedom of ‘indie’ development, but with the production values of AAA blockbuster games.," Ninja Theory explained.

"In movie terms, this would be a quality independent film, not a Hollywood blockbuster.  Digital self-publishing means that we can offer a smaller, but high quality game at around half the price of retail games," Antoniades added.

Check out the trailer above and get ready to learn more at E3. Hellblade is slated for release in 2016.