Ninja Theory Celebrates 11 BAFTA Nominations for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Every year, the BAFTA Games Awards bring a spotlight to the best in gaming from the UK and beyond, and this time, it’s inspiring to see several titles from Xbox platforms gain recognition on the nominations list. These awards, set for Tuesday, April 8, feature games from Xbox’s own studios like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Diablo IV, Sea of Thieves, and World of Warcraft, alongside standout ID@Xbox titles such as Animal Well, Balatro, and Botany Manor. Xbox isn’t just known for its variety but for its quality.

One game that’s truly stealing the show is Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, with an impressive 11 nominations across multiple categories, highlighting nearly every facet of game creation. This is a significant accomplishment for Ninja Theory, which already boasts nine nominations and five wins for Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. This speaks volumes about their dedication to crafting an exceptional gaming experience.

To mark this achievement, we reached out to various developers from the studio to hear about their contributions to the nominated categories and what such recognition means to them.

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### Animation

“The entire animation team is overjoyed to be specifically acknowledged in the Animation category. It’s heartening to know that all the meticulous work, love, and vision for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II has resonated so well,” shares Guy Midgley, Ninja Animation Director. “Our goal was to breathe life into Senua, her companions, and foes with rich detail, capturing everything from intimate moments between friends to fierce battles against her deepest fears.”

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### Artistic Achievement

Ninja Theory’s artistic spirit has always aimed high, and receiving BAFTA recognition is both humbling and thrilling for the team. Mark Slater-Tunstill, Ninja VFX Director, says, “With Senua’s Saga, each step was a learning curve—from understanding UE5’s new capabilities to collaborating with costume designers and utilizing drones in Iceland for capturing stunning data. This nomination is truly special for everyone involved.”

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### Audio Achievement

Bringing Senua’s world to life through sound was a challenge embraced by Ninja’s audio team. “The joy of receiving this nomination can’t be overstated,” notes David García Díaz, Ninja Audio Director. “Creating a unique auditory experience required a great deal of vision and courage, and this acknowledgment is a testament to our hard work.”

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### British Game

Dominic Matthews, Ninja Studio Head, reflects on the pride of being nominated for Best British Game. “Being in a category with such an array of creative nominees is inspiring. This recognition can motivate future developers in the UK, sparking dreams of contributing to our vibrant industry. I’m thrilled Hellblade II inspires, just as previous nominees have inspired us.”

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### Game Beyond Entertainment

Crafted with precision and empathy, Senua’s Saga tackles the representation of psychosis with profound respect. Paul Fletcher, Bernard Wolfe Professor of Health Neuroscience at Cambridge, highlights, “Ninja Theory’s portrayal draws profoundly from the core of clinical neuroscience and lived experiences, tackling stigma with its vivid storytelling and giving voice to those often unheard.”

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### Music

“Aiming to convey emotions through music, without words, is the musician’s journey,” says David García Díaz again, this time on the music category. “A collaborative effort with artists like Heilung, Ren, and Arunka made this impactful soundtrack, and it’s an honor to be nominated for such passionate work.”

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### Narrative

“Our protagonist Senua endures profound struggles, displaying resilience and depth,” shares Lara Derham, Writer and Stage Director. “Storytelling is pivotal in all of Ninja Theory’s projects, and this acknowledgment by BAFTA for narrative excellence is both an honor and a motivating force to continue delivering heartfelt stories.”

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### Performer in a Leading Role – Melina Juergens as Senua

Melina Juergens expresses profound gratitude for her nomination for ‘Performer in a Leading Role’. “To have my portrayal of Senua recognized again by BAFTA means the world. This acknowledgment validates the emotional investment and innovative efforts we poured into the performance technology, elevating gaming as an expressive art form alongside traditional media.”

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### Performer in a Supporting Role – Aldís Amah Hamilton as Ástríðr

“It’s impossible to express how much this recognition means,” Aldís Amah Hamilton shares. “Being part of such a meaningful project, learning, growing, and being part of something so special is beyond my wildest dreams. Thanks to the amazing Ninjas and Xbox for this incredible opportunity.”

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### Performer in a Supporting Role – Abbi Greenland and Helen Goalen as The Furies

“We’re thrilled to share this nomination for our role as the Furies,” express Helen Goalen and Abbi Greenland. “Working with the brilliant David García Díaz was an exhilarating experience, and to be part of this collaborative process, blending theater and gaming, has been truly enlightening.”

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### Technical Achievement

Gavin Costello, Ninja Technical Director, adds about the technical nomination, “We’re deeply honored to have our technological achievements in Hellblade II acknowledged. This nomination not only highlights the technology but celebrates the passion and commitment of the team to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Thank you for recognizing our efforts.”

Congratulations to everyone at Ninja Theory for this monumental recognition for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and a round of applause to all this year’s BAFTA nominees. For those eager to witness this celebration of gaming excellence, the BAFTA Games Awards will broadcast live on Tuesday, April 8, at 11 AM Pacific / 2 PM Eastern / 7 PM UK on YouTube and Twitch.