Setting
Map
The actual shape of Hellblade's map is based on a real life Viking symbol that can be found in the reveal trailer. The map is designed so that at any point the player will be able to see a structure that is at the center of it. The game is on the same scale of other games from Ninja Theory. While it has been stated that the world is more open than their other games, it is unknown wether or not it is actually open world [1].
World Background
Hellblade takes place during the ancient times of Celts and Vikings. Much of the imagery used for environement and character designs is based on actual symbols, art, and artifacts from these two cultures [2]. The games location is based on the Nordic version of Hell. Many actual Viking landscapes were used to create the environments in Hellbalde [3].