Summary
The nextGod of Wargame could be further along than anyone could have guessed, and it might involve a major creative figure from past games. While Santa Monica Studio has stated that last year’sGod of War Ragnarokis the final chapterin Kratos’s Norse saga, its ending does leave a few narrative plot threads open for a future installment, with either Kratos returning in yet another mythical land or his son Atreus stepping into the lead role on his own quest to uncover the truth behind his Giant heritage.
There was already speculation of anotherGod of Wargame even beforeRagnaroklaunched on the PlayStation 5 last winter, as Santa Monica Studio reportedly started hiring for another project several months prior. Many gamers have assumed that this isa newGod of Warproject, with leakers claiming that it is either DLC forRagnarokor a smaller “expansion” game in the vein ofSpider-Man: Miles MoralesorUncharted: The Lost Legacy. More recent rumors suggest that this newGod of War Ragnarokfollow-up could be revealed as early as December’s Game Awards 2023 event.
A major clue might be found in theLinkedInpage for Ariel Lawrence, a Game Director who has been a part of theGod of Warseries as far back as the PlayStation 2 era. She initially served as an assistant producer and writer forGod of War 2andGod of War 3before stepping into the role of producer for2013’sGod of War Ascension. Lawrence then departed Santa Monica Studio to work as a writer for Riot Games, where she helped craft the narratives forLeague of Legendsand two animatedTales of Runeterrashort films.
Lawrence eventually returned to Santa Monica Studio as a writer in July 2021 before starting work as a Game Director the following April, around the same time thatSanta Monica reportedly started hiring stafffor its post-God of War Ragnarokproject. While she was listed in the credits for 2018’sGod of Warreboot for “additional development support,” she doesn’t appear to have worked onGod of War Ragnarokin any capacity. This suggests that she has been instead working on Santa Monica’s mystery game, and given her pedigree this project is likely something big if she is indeed involved.
Of course, none of this confirms that Ariel Lawrence is working on Santa Monica Studio’s next game or that said game is any kind of follow-up toGod of War Ragnarok, but it certainly wouldn’t be outside her wheelhouse given her experience writing and producing the PS3-era titles likeGod of War 3andAscension. Fans will still have to keep their eyes peeled for any official news regarding the nextGod of Wargame, as rumors suggest that Kratos could return to the PS5 sooner rather than later.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
