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| Shot by Skydragengames |
Released in 2017, the game tells the tale of a Pict warrior on a journey, but also acts as a totally new and ground braking portrayal of mental illness. In Hellblade we take the role of Senua who embarks on a journey set in the 8th century. Vikings have ransacked her village and left little but ashen remains. She has lost everything and hopes to redeem the soul of her beloved Dillon by journeying to the Norse hell (Hellheim), to confront Hela. Throughout this journey we hear and see manifestations of Senua's self doubt, inner darkness and have to physically battle with her these inner demons.
For some this article may be old news, as the game has been out for a fair while. But for those of you that have yet to play the game, or never looked into the story of the games development, then perhaps I may enlighten and inspire you.
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| Shot by Rubi_wan |
Here in the UK mental health and mental well being are all the rage currently. Workplaces are being forced to put in supportive measures to help their employees and promote better working environments. For most this is sadly nothing more than buzz words. Sadly for many companies a shift in hours and more of a work life balance is not feasible. With the economy being hit by Brexit and now Corona scares, there is certainly no time to implement anything. But regardless of excuses, it really is time to bring mental health issues into the foreground, not only in all areas of the media but life in general.
I myself am mentally disabled, I am bi-polar, have anxiety, paranoia and PTSD issues that developed from trauma. This is not being divulged in a plea for attention or kind comments, I am just stating the truth. In life I do not let these things define me. The NHS states that 1 in 4 of us have mental health issues at any one time. An issue that is severe and needs care to be dealt with. However if we look into mild mental health issues, I truly believe everyone is unwell to a degree. (This is a blog about virtual photography not a medical information guide but if you need help or advice then see the links beneath the article)
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| Shot by Skydragengames |
Due to this I feel it is important that we see more real world portrayals of what people go through in life on a daily basis. We often see representations of physical disabilities in TV, film and gaming but seldom do we see a mentally unwell person that isn't a psychopath or a gibbering wreck.
In making Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Ninja Theroy had a completely different protagonist in mind. As the game was being developed they not only had Paul Fletcher, a professor of health neuroscience from Cambridge University as a consultant, they also interviewed psychosis patients, on their experiences with audial and visual hallucinations.
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| Shot by me |
“So many people sent messages to the Ninja Theory team and to me commenting how they now had a physical, tangible slice of altered reality that they could share with people that they were desperate to communicate with." said Fletcher in a conversation with TIGS organiser Mark Chandler.
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| Shot by Rubi_wan |
The journey that takes place is a wonderful experience. Being mentally ill myself I was concerned about playing the game. I tend to avoid films and games that feature negative portrayals of mental illness. On playing it I was relieved as it really is an accurate portrayal of some of what I have experienced in life. You are never sure if what our protagonist faces is real or just in her head and she shows a strength and perseverance despite her challenges, which I could relate to.
As a whole, the game is unique and delivers a tale that is a must play experience for any gamer. I hope more companies follow suit and try to put more love and care into their depictions of mental illness.
As always thank you to the virtual photographers who supplied the images to the article: Skydragengames and Rubi_wan
If you are unwell Don't suffer in silence
Below are some UK helplines but the advice is good for all.
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