Why the Next God of War Chooses the Afterlife Over a Prequel
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Sony Santa Monica explains why the upcoming God of War Laufey focuses on the afterlife rather than serving as a prequel.
Sony Santa Monica recently dropped a twenty-minute gameplay reveal for God of War Laufey during a State of Play broadcast, and it immediately sparked a massive debate across the community. Since the game stars Faye, who passed away in the 2018 title, most players assumed we were getting a prequel exploring her past battles. However, according to an interview with IGN by Wesley Yin-Poole, the team actively decided against a prequel. Instead, the upcoming release runs parallel to the timelines of the 2018 game and Ragnarok, following Faye as she wakes up unexpectedly in the afterlife.
Game director Ariel Lawrence and Studio Head of Creative Cory Barlog explained that starting right where Faye left off was vital for putting the audience and the protagonist on the same page. Rather than looking backward, the narrative dives into a strange new realm called the Everywhen, where gods from various mythologies fight for power. Barlog noted that the team actually planted tiny narrative seeds as early as 2018 to support this expansion, specifically leaning into the lingering question of what happens to gods when they die.
For players who treat these sprawling cinematic universes as core entertainment events, this direction offers a much fresher hook than a predictable origin story. By pushing the timeline forward from a deceased character's perspective, Sony Santa Monica avoids the usual traps of prequel storytelling where the ultimate destination is already known. As content creators and fans start dissecting every frame of the reveal for lore connections, it is clear that the franchise is ready to take some genuinely bold creative swings.
Tags: God of War, PlayStation 5, Sony Santa Monica, Gaming News, Action Games
Original article: IGN South Africa