'Hellblade' News: New Ninja Theory Game Tackles Mental Illness

While other video games may feature some characters with some semblance of mental illness as a given, this upcoming game of developer Ninja Theory tackles mental illness differently. "Hellblade," an "independent AAA" game will released for the PlayStation 4 and PC in 2016 it is the first game to explore the "battleground of the mind."

"Hellblade" follows the story of a Celtic warrior Senua as "she battles and wrestles with mental illness after surviving the Viking invasion." The report notes that Senua suffers from psychotic episodes such as hallucinations and delusions. She also suffers from anxiety and depression. In the game, players will take on and destroy literal translations of Senua's "demons" in her mind. Gamers will walk in the warrior's shoes and help her overcome her "personal demons."

Because the game deals with a very sensitive subject of mental illness, the game's developer has engaged the services of a psychiatrist and a professor of Health Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge, Paul Fletcher. According to another report in IGN, the studio has also talked with individuals who have been battling with mental health issues. It is hoped that the game will open the minds of people about mental health and encourage those who need help to seek help.

"True understanding of mental health is not simply about books, lectures or verbal descriptions but from deeper engagement on all levels," Fletcher said. "Working with Ninja Theory has shown me the potential that gaming has for sharing in a character's experiences and engendering empathy in ways that go well beyond those offered by simple academic descriptions. Maybe this approach will contribute powerful new ways of challenging stigma."

The game also has the support of global charitable foundation the Wellcome Trust, which "aims to to build greater public understanding of science and health."

"Hellblade" was originally announced for the PlayStation 4, earlier this year at Gamescom. Ninja Theory however later announced that they are developing a PC version as well. More details about the game will be revealed at the upcoming E3 2015.