Microsoft and Xbox are riding an all-time high lately in light of all the recent acquisitions and partnerships. Its subscription service Xbox Game Pass is growing in popularity every passing day, and it seems that the tech giant is positioning itself to come out swinging this E3.
Some first-party titles such as Halo Infinite are most likely going to grace the digital stage this year, while many speculate others like Starfield could potentially be at Xbox’s E3 presence this year as well. Ninja Theory’s upcoming Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 currently belongs in the speculative category, but there is a multitude of reasons as to why the game should be a part of Microsoft’s showings this year, moreso than the presumably obvious inclusions.
Hellblade 2’s Silence Has Become A Concern
It’s been almost one and a half years since Senua Saga: Hellblade 2 was announced. The in-engine trailer set the stage in 2019, as fans are more than excited to see Senua’s next journey. However, it seems that Ninja Theory is currently keeping a lot of its secrets pretty close to the chest, leading to the long silence since reveal.
Much isn’t much known about Hellblade 2’s development, but Ninja Theory has only recently shifted most of its development resources towards completing the game, since Bleeding Edge is no longer receiving any updates. There’s a lot more to it, with Hellblade 2’s development seemingly being dependent on the completion of the Insight Project, a mental health and gaming research initiative within Ninja Theory that coincides with the Hellblade franchise.
E3 And Expectations
While Microsoft might not be lacking any potential announcements for its E3 showings, it seems a perfect opportunity to let fans know more about Senua’s Saga. Games like Halo Infinite, Psychonauts 2 and probably Starfield would be great showings for what’s in store for the immediate future of Xbox. However, it is equally important that Microsoft gives fans more insight into what’s looming over the horizon with Hellblade 2, especially with the lack of development updates and announcements.
Games like Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls 6, Rare’s Everwild, and The Initiative’s Perfect Dark might be quite some ways off from release, so Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (or Obsidian’s Avowed) could release earlier than anticipated. However, it’s equally important that fans keep their expectations in check, as Ninja Theory’s relative silence suggests that they might not have much to share at this time.
Since Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 seems quite some ways off, the most plausible speculation for a showing at E3 might be a new trailer with more information about the game’s story, Senua’s role, and maybe short snippets of gameplay. Whether a new reveal trailer would shell out information about the game’s release date remains a mystery, given how little information there is about Hellblade 2’s development. E3 2021 should definitely be the stage for Hellblade 2 to break its elongated silence and give fans something more substantial to look forward to, especially after the last few years with no updates.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is in development for the Xbox Series X/S and PC.
