Ninja Theory has officially halted development on its psychological horror title, Project Mara, to concentrate resources on the upcoming Hellblade sequel, Senua. Studio head Dom Matthews revealed that all 85 team members are now dedicated to enhancing the previous games' experience for this new title. The studio's pivot comes after years of anticipation for Project Mara, which was first announced in 2020.
Originally intended to offer a "real-world and grounded representation of mental terror," Project Mara was designed with input from real lived experiences and extensive research. A teaser video released at the time showcased a realistic apartment and a character believed to be Mara.
The decision to refocus the team follows Ninja Theory's earlier cancellation of Bleeding Edge, a 4v4 team-based melee game, which ceased development in 2021 shortly after its release. The new installment, Senua, was unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase at the Summer Game Fest 2026, promising expanded combat and exploration features. Development on Senua has reportedly been ongoing since 2024, suggesting that Project Mara's cancellation may have been a consideration for some time.