God of War: Is Sony Santa Monica Brewing a Whole New Saga Within Kratos's Realm?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Rumours are swirling that Sony Santa Monica is developing an entirely new franchise within the God of War universe, sparked by a now-deleted LinkedIn post and backed by prior industry whispers, prompting speculation about what this ambitious expansion could mean for Kratos's world.
Right, so you know that feeling when you're tinkering with a new spell, and suddenly, instead of turning your enemy into a newt, you accidentally open a portal to an entirely different dimension? No? Just me then. Well, something similar seems to be happening over at Sony Santa Monica, the absolute legends behind the recent *God of War* masterpieces. Rumour has it, they're not just working on the next instalment of Kratos's family therapy sessions, but potentially conjuring up an entire *new franchise* nestled snugly within the beloved *God of War* universe. And honestly, it's got my digital antennae twitching like crazy.
This spicy bit of scuttlebutt bubbled up from, of all places, a LinkedIn profile. Yep, a LinkedIn profile. Apparently, a former senior writer who clocked in at Santa Monica Studio from 2020 until late last year had a rather telling blurb on their page. Now, before you go trying to find it, fair warning: the profile seems to have done a vanishing act, like a rogue goblin after pilfering your gold. But a screenshot, if authentic – and we always tread lightly on 'if real' territory, don't we, mates? – suggests this writer was instrumental in "shaping narrative visions and creative direction... for a franchise within the God of War universe, developing characters, storylines, and original lore that expanded the acclaimed IP."
Bloody hell, that's a mouthful, isn't it? But what it *really* says is 'more than just a sequel'. It speaks of entirely new narratives, characters, and expanding the very fabric of the established mythology. Not just a new game, but a new *franchise*. That’s a bold claim, especially coming from a studio that’s typically been so focused on the singular, epic journey of its main protagonist. It's like finding out your favourite fantasy novel series is actually just the tip of an entire literary cosmos.
Now, while a deleted LinkedIn post might usually be dismissed as nothing more than digital smoke, there are other whispers in the winds that lend this rumour a surprising amount of weight. Remember when Bloomberg's very own wizard of gaming scoops, Jason Schreier, dropped a cryptic comment on ResetEra, saying, "I suppose now it's become obvious what I meant by 'not a new IP but it might feel like one'?" Yeah, that landed right around the time this LinkedIn leak started doing the rounds. Coincidence? Or is Schreier just incredibly good at reading the digital tea leaves before they've even steeped?
And let's not forget another ghostly rumour that keeps rattling its chains: the idea that Bluepoint Games – a studio that, tragically, just shuttered its doors last week – was supposedly working on a *live service* game set within the *God of War* series. Now, that's a concept that definitely makes my gently skeptical eyebrow do a little dance. A live service *God of War*? What would that even look like? Daily quests for Kratos to find lost socks? A battle pass for better axe throws? It's hard to imagine the deeply personal, narrative-driven experience of *God of War* morphing into something designed for perpetual engagement and monetisation. If this new franchise is indeed connected to that idea, the community's going to have a lot of questions. We're all for innovation, but not if it feels like someone's trying to cram a square, mythic peg into a very live-service-shaped hole.
So, what in the name of the Nine Realms could a "new franchise within the God of War universe" actually entail? It’s tantalisingly vague, which, for a curious mind like mine, is both a blessing and a curse. It definitely won't be *God of War 3 Part 2* or just another Kratos adventure. Could it be a prequel series, exploring other pantheons that Kratos hasn't visited yet, or perhaps even stories from before his time, like the epic Aesir-Vanir war? Imagine a game where you play as a younger Freya, battling alongside Odin before their falling out. Or perhaps a deep dive into the histories of other, less explored realms.
Then there's the possibility of a spin-off with an entirely new protagonist. After *Ragnarok*, the stage is set for Atreus (Loki!) to go on his own adventures, potentially uncovering new pantheons and forging his own destiny. That would certainly 'feel like a new IP' while remaining firmly rooted in the established lore. Or maybe it's something truly out of left field, like a strategy game focused on the political machinations of the Norse gods, or a cooperative PvE experience where players team up to take down colossal beasts from myth. The potential for a genre shift could genuinely make it feel fresh, without abandoning the rich world Santa Monica has built.
Let’s be honest, Sony’s been pretty clear about its ambition to expand its biggest IPs beyond just sequential game releases. Just this week, Amazon gave us our first peek at Ryan Hurst as Kratos and Callum Vinson as Atreus for the upcoming *God of War* TV series. Seeing Kratos teaching Atreus to hunt, echoing the opening of the 2018 reboot, just screams 'broader universe'. It’s a clear signal that Sony sees the *God of War* brand as more than just a series of games; it's a sprawling narrative canvas ripe for exploration across all sorts of media.
For us gamers, this news is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the idea of more rich storytelling, deeper lore, and fresh perspectives within a universe we adore is incredibly exciting. Imagine the possibilities! On the other, there's always that gnawing doubt. Can an expansion truly capture the magic, the emotional depth, and the gameplay mastery of the mainline *God of War* games? Will it dilute the very essence of what makes Kratos's saga so special, or will it be a bold, innovative leap that broadens our understanding of this incredible world?
Whatever this 'new franchise' turns out to be, if it's true, it feels like Sony Santa Monica is taking a leaf out of the wizard's grimoire, preparing to cast a powerful, reality-bending spell on their most beloved IP. We'll be watching with keen interest (and maybe a touch of anxious excitement) to see if it brings forth a grand new adventure or just a slightly confused newt. Here’s hoping for the former, eh? Because when these wizards get it right, it's nothing short of pure gaming magic.
*Original reporting by Vikki Blake for Eurogamer.net. Read the original article here
Tags: God of War, Sony Santa Monica, Gaming Rumors, Franchise Expansion, Gaming Industry
Original article: Eurogamer