Beyond the gameplay presentation of “Indiana Jones and the Circle of the Ancients,” another highlight of the January 18, 2024 Xbox Developer_Direct was a new video dedicated to “Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga.” This provided further insights into the production over more than 8 minutes, featuring new game images and some behind-the-scenes moments. However, additional noteworthy elements were disclosed in a message posted on the official Xbox Wire site by Dom Matthews, Director of Ninja Theory Studio. He announced that “Hellblade 2” will not be available in physical format but will be sold at $50 (likely €50 for European markets). This approach aligns with Remedy Entertainment’s philosophy regarding “Alan Wake 2,” which was funded by Epic Games, potentially explaining this decision. For Microsoft’s upcoming exclusive title, there is widespread confusion among players, with some feeling betrayed. On social networks, one can read statements from players expressing their intent not to purchase a game that does not offer physical copies.
However, another factor has contributed to increased attention regarding the playtime of the upcoming Hellblade 2. Dom Matthews also mentioned that in terms of gameplay duration, Hellblade 2 will be similar to its predecessor, averaging around 8 hours according to the website How Long to Beat. Based on our memory, we completed the original game in slightly more than 6.5 hours when it was released in 2017. Like its predecessor, Hellblade 2 is expected to offer an immersive experience both visually and sonically, with a heavily scripted gameplay style that emphasizes detailed staging. Many players have expressed disappointment over such a short playtime, particularly given that the game has been announced for five years now. Regardless of these concerns, the release date has been confirmed as May 21, 2024.
