Ninja Theory not doing Heavenly sequel

Ninja Theory has said its next title is original IP and definitely not a sequel to the Sony-owned Heavenly Sword.

The UK developer made it crystal clear to GamesIndustry.biz, explaining that it had already signed a publisher for its fresh Xbox 360 and PS3 project.

However, one one similarity it will have its continued focus on film production techniques. Co-founder Nina Kristensen even revealed Ninja Theory is considering creating a CGI film to accompany the new game.

"We're certainly targeting a triple-A blockbuster, with two and a half years in production - a big game that builds on our core strengths of story-telling, cinematics and combat. But we're actually looking at something in addition to that - we're considering opportunities in creating a CGI movie using the game engine alongside the game itself," Kristensen told GamesIndustry.biz.

"The game's certainly the most important thing, and we haven't decided for sure to do this, but it's something we're looking at. It's an interesting idea."

Nina Theory worked closely with Hollywood rubber-face Andy Serkis on Heavenly Sword, who oversaw motion capture and directed the cinematics.

Mission Impossible 3 and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon audio specialist Play It By Ear provided the foley sound work.

"If you want to make something that's really high-end, really engaging, if you get the best talent from the movie industry and you're able to integrate effectively into the game you're going to end up with the best possible results," continued Kristensen.

"There's a lot of these relationships that we intend to maintain going forward into our new game."

Heavenly Sword was released last September and picked up considerable applause for its cinematic cut-scenes and dramatic direction.

Head over to our Heavenly Sword review for more information.