Ninja Theory cancels Project Mara to focus on Hellblade sequel Senua
Microsoft-owned developer halts psychological horror project announced in 2020 to concentrate all resources on the next chapter of the Hellblade franchise.
Ninja Theory has officially cancelled the development of Project Mara, a psychological horror title originally announced in 2020. The studio has decided to redirect its entire workforce of 85 developers to focus on Senua, the upcoming sequel to the Hellblade franchise. Studio head Dom Matthews confirmed the strategic shift in an interview with Xbox Wire, stating that consolidating the team was necessary to realise the full potential of the new project.
Matthews explained that the decision to cease work on Project Mara was made to ensure all creative talent within the studio could collaborate on Senua. The Microsoft-owned developer first revealed Project Mara in 2020 with a focus on providing a grounded representation of mental terror, incorporating real lived experience accounts and in-depth research. A teaser video released at the time depicted a realistic apartment and a close-up of a character presumably named Mara.
Senua was announced during the Xbox Games Showcase at Summer Game Fest 2026. Described as a full-on action-adventure game, the sequel features expanded combat mechanics, additional puzzles, and greater exploration freedom compared to its predecessors. According to Matthews, the title has reportedly been in development since 2024, suggesting that work on Project Mara may have effectively ceased years before the public announcement.
The cancellation marks another pivot for Ninja Theory, which previously halted development of Bleeding Edge, a 4v4 team-based melee combat game, in 2021. That title was cancelled less than a year after its release. By focusing exclusively on the Hellblade saga, the studio aims to leverage the expertise gained from its previous titles to strengthen the upcoming sequel.
Matthews acknowledged the difficulty of the decision in the Xbox Wire interview, noting that he took personal responsibility for the move. He stated that bringing all 85 creatives together was essential to maximise the quality and scope of Senua, effectively ending the separate development track for the horror project that had been in limbo since its initial announcement.
