Santa Monica Studio has subtly hinted at the possibility of a new installment in the acclaimed God of War series. Following the conclusion of the Norse saga with the release of Ragnarok in 2022 and the subsequent free-to-play Valhalla DLC in 2023, which laid the groundwork for future narratives, a recent job listing on the studio's website has sparked speculation about the next chapter.
Warning: Spoilers for God of War Ragnarok AheadThe conclusion of God of War Ragnarok sees Kratos embracing a new purpose, shifting from a destroyer to a beacon of hope, as he embarks on the task of rebuilding the shattered nine realms after the devastating war. Meanwhile, Atreus sets off on a personal quest to locate his fellow Giants. The Valhalla DLC takes Kratos on a journey through the Norse afterlife, engaging in roguelike trials that force him to confront his past and seek redemption, while also teasing future encounters with the Egyptian, Japanese, and Mayan pantheons through Tyr's artifacts.
With these unresolved story arcs and the recent job listing for a Quest Designer for an undisclosed "character-centric action game" at Santa Monica Studio, it strongly suggests that work has commenced on the next phase of the iconic PlayStation series. The studio specifically seeks an individual with a profound understanding of the God of War universe, indicating a direct link to the franchise's rich mythology and continuity.
Emphasis on God of War Lore Points to Future Storylines
While previous reports of job openings at Santa Monica Studio, like the search for a Senior Combat Designer familiar with combat elements from God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok (2022), could have been attributed to other projects, the explicit requirement of God of War lore knowledge for the Quest Designer role strongly hints at a forthcoming God of War title. This insistence on series lore expertise reinforces the belief in an upcoming sequel that will build upon the franchise's established narrative legacy.
The revelation of a new God of War game in progress is undoubtedly thrilling, yet not entirely unexpected. Given the immense success of the series, with the 2018 reboot and Ragnarok collectively selling over 38 million copies by November 2023, the enthusiasm for more content is palpable among fans. As one of Sony's flagship franchises, the continuation of God of War seems inevitable, driven by both market demand and creative ambition. The only lingering mystery remains the identity of the next pantheon that Kratos and Atreus will encounter, a revelation that is likely to unfold in the distant future.