Ninja Theory Announces New Action-Adventure Senua for 2027
Ninja Theory is consolidating its entire studio around Senua, canceling the long-gestating Project: Mara to deliver a more action-focused Hellblade follow-up that expands the series' combat systems while keeping its narrative-driven core.
Reporting from 5 sources: 4Gamer.net, Automaton, Denfaminicogamer, GameBusiness.jp, and 1 more.
During the Xbox Games Showcase 2026 on June 8, Ninja Theory and Xbox Game Studios announced Senua, a new action-adventure game set in the world of the Hellblade series. The game follows the Celtic warrior Senua as she navigates a purgatory-like realm between life and death, aiming to reunite with lost loved ones. Senua places a greater emphasis on combat than previous Hellblade titles, offering tactical choices in battle and the ability to dual-wield melee and ranged weapons. The map is roughly twice the size of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, though the game remains linear rather than open-world. Senua is scheduled for release in 2027 on PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and will be available on Xbox and PC Game Pass from day one. The announcement also confirmed the cancellation of the experimental horror project Project: Mara, which was first revealed in 2020. Studio head Dom Matthews stated that all 85 staff members are now focused on Senua, marking the first time since 2013's DmC: Devil May Cry that the entire studio has worked on a single project.
Automaton notes the game depicts events after both Hellblade titles. Senua has lost her loved ones and aims for the afterlife to reunite with them. She breaks through visions created by her mind and confronts threats that exist in both the mental and real worlds.
The released trailer shows Senua breaking space like glass. Automaton reports this ability can unlock various spaces and be used in combat to suppress multiple enemies or buy time. The game is not a numbered sequel but titled "Senua" because it expands the gameplay and introduces a deeper combat system, according to the same outlet.
Studio head Dom Matthews told Xbox Wire that after the 2024 release of Hellblade II, the studio completed its transition to Unreal Engine 5 and relocation. He said the decision to cancel Project: Mara was difficult but necessary to seize the opportunity for all 85 staff members to collaborate and bring out the full potential of Senua. Project: Mara was an experimental title announced in 2020 that aimed to reproduce psychological horror based on real experiences and thorough research.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 5 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- 4Gamer.net 「Hellblade」の世界観を踏襲した新作アクションアドベンチャー「Senua」は2027年に発売
- Automaton 煉獄を旅するバトルアクション『Senua』発表。『Hellblade』シリーズの“その後”を描く新作、アクション重視に刷新
- Denfaminicogamer 『Hellblade』シリーズの世界を舞台とした最新作『SENUA』が発表。 Ninja Theoryより2027年発売
- GameBusiness.jp 『Hellblade』シリーズ開発元の実験的ホラー『Project: Mara』開発中止に。最新作『Senua』にスタッフ全員で取り組んでいるため
- Game Spark 『Hellblade』シリーズ開発元の実験的ホラー『Project: Mara』開発中止に。最新作『Senua』にスタッフ全員で取り組んでいるため