Developer Ninja Theory has finally told us all about its plans for Hellblade 2 - including that much-welcome release date of May 21st. In the wake of today's Xbox Developer Direct showing, the team has also confirmed that the game will cost just $50 on Xbox Series X|S and PC - launching as a digital-only title this May.
Yep, Hellblade 2 won't be available on disc — at least at launch — which is seemingly allowing some wiggle room in regards to its pricing. Alan Wake 2 went down a similar route late last year, where publisher Epic also opted against a physical launch.
However, it sounds like the game's overall length is also a factor when it comes to pricing. The team says that Hellblade 2 is "similar in length to the first Hellblade", and that the sequel will be "sold at a lower price to reflect the shorter length of our story". Even so, you can expect the same endeavour from Ninja Theory:
"In Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, our approach is the same. Although we are no longer an independent studio, our creative spirit has in fact been emboldened by our joining of Xbox Game Studios, and in this new chapter of Senua’s life we have been able to push our production values way beyond what we were able to achieve previously.
So, my message to players is that if you loved Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, or if you enjoy narrative-led experiences of cinematic immersion, we are building Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II for you."
Of course, despite all of this the game will still launch on Xbox Game Pass on day one - now locked in for May 21st, 2024.