Every year, the BAFTA Games Awards roll around to celebrate the cream of the crop in video games from around the globe, including great titles available on Xbox. This year, the event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, and it was thrilling to see a strong presence of Xbox titles among the nominees. From first-party legends like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Diablo IV, Sea of Thieves, to World of Warcraft, not to mention the innovative contributions from ID@Xbox games like Animal Well and Botany Manor, the list is quite impressive.
However, today I want to spotlight Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, a game that has truly outdone itself by snagging a staggering 11 nominations across various categories. This grand achievement spans nearly every facet of game development, marking a significant milestone for Ninja Theory, the masterminds behind this acclaimed game. Previously, they earned nine nominations and five wins with Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and this time, their meticulous craftsmanship and artistry have been pushed even further.
In celebration of this remarkable achievement, I had the chance to catch up with several developers from Ninja Theory to discuss what this recognition means to them and the effort each put into their nominated categories.
Animation
Guy Midgley, the revered Ninja Animation Director, shared his team’s elation over the Animation category nomination, emphasizing the meticulous effort they put into every frame to bring Senua and her world to life—be it intimate moments or epic battles.
Artistic Achievement
Chatting with Mark Slater-Tunstill, the VFX Director, it became clear how deeply passionate Ninja Theory is about visual storytelling. They leveraged cutting-edge technology like Unreal Engine 5 and engaged in innovative practices like drone flights over Iceland for authentic environmental data, all while pushing the artistic scope of their craft.
Audio Achievement
Creating an auditory landscape for Senua’s world was no small feat for David García Díaz, the Audio Director. He noted the immense pride his team feels for being acknowledged, having sought tirelessly to craft a soundscape that is uniquely Senua’s, melding bravery with creative vision.
British Game
Dom Matthews, Studio Head at Ninja Theory, expressed profound pride in Hellblade II’s nomination for Best British Game. This category holds a special significance for Dom, as it’s a platform for inspiring aspiring developers in the UK, showcasing the brilliant games produced right in their backyard.
Game Beyond Entertainment
Paul Fletcher, a distinguished professor from the University of Cambridge, praised Ninja Theory’s sensitive portrayal of psychosis. He highlighted their dedication to authentic representation by integrating clinical knowledge and personal experiences into the game, showing yet another dimension of the impact of gaming beyond mere entertainment.
Music
Regarding the game’s hauntingly beautiful score, Audio Director David García Díaz attributed the success to the collaboration between musicians, composers, and vocal talents like Heilung and Ren. This unified effort has seamlessly and eloquently conveyed the game’s narrative through music.
Narrative
Lara Derham, Writer and Stage Director, spoke warmly about the narrative’s recognition, highlighting the depth of Senua’s journey and the team’s effort to make her story resonate with players. Storytelling remains central to Ninja Theory’s ethos, and they are profoundly grateful for this BAFTA recognition.
Performer in a Leading Role – Melina Juergens as Senua
Melina Juergens, nominated again for her compelling portrayal of Senua, conveyed her immense gratitude. This recognition reaffirms the BAFTA Games Awards’ power to elevate video games alongside other cultural art forms and celebrates creativity and innovation.
Performer in a Supporting Role – Aldís Amah Hamilton as Ástríðr
Aldís Amah Hamilton reflected on how the nomination is a dream come true, a testament to her journey from early gaming days to contributing to a title of such substance and receiving acknowledgment for her work.
Performer in a Supporting Role – Abbi Greenland and Helen Goalen as The Furies
The duo celebrated their nomination with excitement, crediting the unique creative collaborative process with David García Díaz that allowed them to delve deep into their roles, showcasing the diverse talent at play in the making of Senua’s Saga.
Technical Achievement
Gavin Costello, Technical Director, acknowledged the honor of a Technical Achievement nomination, affirming it as a reflection of Ninja Theory’s relentless pursuit of excellence in storytelling—pushing technological boundaries to craft immersive experiences.
Hats off to the entire Ninja Theory squad for their incredible work on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and to all BAFTA nominees this year. To catch the award ceremony live, tune in on April 8 at 11 AM Pacific / 2 PM Eastern / 7 PM UK via YouTube and Twitch.
