The BAFTA Games Awards, a prestigious annual event, recognize the best video games both from the UK and across the globe. This year, the awards ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, and it is exciting to note that numerous games available on Xbox platforms have been nominated. From the blockbuster titles produced by Xbox’s first-party studios, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Diablo IV, Sea of Thieves, and World of Warcraft, to the innovative and creative projects under the ID@Xbox program like Animal Well, Balatro, and Botany Manor, the list of nominees showcases a diverse array of gaming experiences currently accessible on Xbox.
However, today’s focus is on a particular standout – Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. This game has impressively garnered 11 nominations across various categories, highlighting nearly every aspect of game development and beyond. This achievement marks a significant milestone for its developer, Ninja Theory, which previously received nine nominations and won in five categories for its earlier title, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and meticulous effort invested in crafting this unique gaming experience.
To celebrate this achievement, insights were gathered from various developers at Ninja Theory about their contributions to the nominated categories and the significance of receiving such acknowledgment.
Animation
The animation team at Ninja Theory was especially delighted to be acknowledged in the Animation category. Their efforts focused on bringing to life the characters of Senua, her allies, and adversaries in vivid detail. Whether capturing the subtle nuances of intimate moments or the intense struggle against deep-seated fears, the team worked tirelessly to create a visually captivating experience.
Guy Midgley, Ninja Animation Director, expressed the team’s excitement and satisfaction, noting that their hard work and specific vision for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II have been well-received.
Artistic Achievement
Ninja Theory has always been passionate about expanding the artistic boundaries in their games. Receiving recognition from BAFTA for Artistic Achievement underscores the team’s innovative efforts. During the development of Senua’s Saga, the team mastered new features of Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) to present their vision in unprecedented ways. They collaborated with costume designers to construct real-life outfits for motion capture and even trained to operate drones professionally to capture the majestic landscapes of Iceland.
Mark Slater-Tunstill, Ninja VFX Director, shared that this acknowledgment means a lot to the team, as it celebrates their artistic journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Audio Achievement
Sound plays a crucial role in immersing players into the world of Senua. The audio team at Ninja Theory embarked on a journey to craft a unique auditory experience that captures the essence of Senua’s reality. Their dedication to this craft has been recognized with a nomination in the Audio Achievement category.
David García Díaz, Ninja Audio Director, expressed his joy at the nomination, highlighting the team’s relentless efforts and craftsmanship in delivering an unparalleled audio experience.
British Game
Being nominated for Best British Game is particularly special for Ninja Theory, as it reflects the creativity and talent within the UK gaming industry. This category serves as an inspiration for the next generation of developers.
Dom Matthews, Ninja Studio Head, shared his pride in Hellblade II being nominated and expressed hope that it will inspire young developers in the UK to pursue their dreams in the gaming industry.
Game Beyond Entertainment
Senua’s Saga is lauded for its sensitive and skillful portrayal of psychosis, a condition often misunderstood. The depiction was crafted with meticulous attention to both clinical neuroscience and the personal experiences of individuals with psychosis.
Paul Fletcher, Bernard Wolfe Professor of Health Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, commended Ninja Theory for amplifying the voices of those often unheard and for their impact in challenging societal stigma around mental health.
Music
The soundtrack of a game is pivotal in conveying emotion without words. The music team at Ninja Theory collaborated with various artists to create a powerful and emotive score for Senua’s Saga.
David García Díaz, once again acknowledged for his work in this category, emphasized the spirit of collaboration that fueled the creation of the game’s music, which has been recognized with a BAFTA nomination.
Narrative
Senua’s story is one of resilience and strength, and Ninja Theory’s commitment to storytelling is evident in their games. The team’s dedication to narrative excellence has been recognized with a nomination in this category.
Lara Derham, Writer and Stage Director, expressed her gratitude for the nomination and the opportunity to share Senua’s unique perspective with the world.
Performer in a Leading Role – Melina Juergens as Senua
Melina Juergens has received a nomination for her portrayal of Senua, marking her second recognition in this category. Her performance brought depth and nuance to the character, pushing the boundaries of performance technology to deliver an emotionally resonant experience.
Melina highlighted the importance of the BAFTA Games Awards in elevating gaming to the same cultural level as film and television, and expressed her honor in being recognized for her work.
Performer in a Supporting Role – Aldís Amah Hamilton as Ástríðr
Aldís Amah Hamilton’s nomination for her supporting role as Ástríðr is a testament to her contribution to the game’s storytelling. Her involvement in the project provided her with new experiences and skills, and she expressed gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful creation.
Performer in a Supporting Role – Abbi Greenland and Helen Goalen as The Furies
Abbi Greenland and Helen Goalen were jointly nominated for their performances as The Furies. Their collaboration with the audio team at Ninja Theory was a unique experience, blending their theatrical background with the game’s vocal improvisation needs. They expressed their delight in being part of the creative process and the recognition received by the team.
Technical Achievement
Receiving a nomination for Technical Achievement celebrates the innovative technology and the team’s perseverance in pushing the limits of interactive storytelling. The nomination acknowledges the detailed artistry and technical efforts that went into creating Senua’s immersive world.
Gavin Costello, Ninja Technical Director, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and shared that it fuels the team’s passion for creating impactful gaming experiences.
Congratulations are in order for everyone at Ninja Theory for their remarkable work on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, as well as to all the recipients of BAFTA nominations this year. The BAFTA Games Awards will be broadcast live on Tuesday, April 8, and viewers can tune in on YouTube and Twitch to witness this celebration of gaming excellence. For further details, you can visit the official BAFTA Games Awards page.
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