MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Today is Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness about mental health issues across the world. To help with this objective, developer Ninja Theory will donate all proceeds from the sale of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice to UK charity Rethink today (October 10th).
This was announced by the studio in a blog post, saying: “Rethink Mental Illness exists to support and campaign for those severely affected by mental illness. They help millions of people affected by mental illness by challenging attitudes and changing lives. We are delighted to be supporting this important work with this donation.”
On Twitter, the studio also clarified: “This is across PC & PS4 and, for clarity, by proceeds we mean the money Ninja Theory receives from retailers/platforms from the sales.”
Hellblade launched in August and was praised for its depiction of mental health struggles. Alongside this announcement, Ninja Theory also released a trailer using shots submitted by players and featuring messages sent to the studio by players affected by mental health issues (you can watch the trailer below). The developer also has a website which can help those affected by mental illness to find support: www.hellbladehelp.info.
Ninja Theory is not the first games company to show support to mental health charities, as Wired Productions recently announced that the firm was launching a year-long campaign to “raise awareness and bring ongoing attention to the importance of mental health issues,” via a partnership with non-profit charity Take This. Managing director Leo Zullo then told MCV that “video games are a good medium to reach people suffering." He added: “Let’s all take a moment to look around us and see if there is someone that needs a boost, some help, or even just a chat. Talking does help a large majority of people. It also helps get you the treatment you may require at the right time, before it is too late. Help is out there… You are not alone.”
