Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
When Cory Barlog returned to Sony Santa Monica Studio to direct theGod of Warreboot, he brought with him a vision that was both ambitious and deeply personal. The game, which was released in April 2018, marked a significant departure from its predecessors with its more mature and nuanced narrative.
This shift in direction was inspired, in part, by the storytelling prowess of Neil Druckmann, the creative force behindThe Last of Us.
However, Barlog’s approach to transforming Kratos from a rage-fueled demigod into a complex, relatable character was met with hesitation from the studio. Not everyone was immediately on board with this daring reimagining of the iconic franchise. But Barlog’s persistence and confidence in his own creative vision ultimately won over the skeptics, paving the way for a game that would go on to redefine the series.
Drawing Inspiration fromThe Last of Us
One of the key influences on Barlog’s vision forGod of WarwasThe Last of Us, a game famed for its emotional depth and character development. Barlog admired howNeil Druckmannand his team at Naughty Dog were able to create a story that struck a chord with players on a deep level.
God of War Ragnarok PC Port Releasing with 1 Feature Elden Ring Still Doesn’t Have 2 Years After Release
In an interview withVentureBeat, Barlog explained his philosophy:
How about we make our audience grow a little bit, too? How about we open it up a bit and not just lead with, ‘Yeah, violence!’ I don’t want to say that was a pillar, because it wasn’t really a pillar. It was a reality of warfare. Spartan warfare and what the times of the Greeks and the Romans—this was a very violent time period.
Barlog wanted to bring that same level of emotional engagement toGod of War, believing that the impact of the game’s violence would be more meaningful if players had an emotional investment in the characters and story.
It’s not like that was the only thing the game could be about. It was just a reality. But I thought, ‘Well, it hits harder and means something more if that’s not what you lead with.’ You have an emotional investment in it, so that when those things happen, it means something. That’s why, in movies, it means more when you do it right. It’s why The Last of Us is so good.
By drawing inspiration from the emotional storytelling ofThe Last of Us, Barlog sought to elevate theGod of Warexperience, making the violence more impactful and meaningful through the lens of a compelling narrative and well-developed characters.
A Fresh Start for Kratos and the Franchise
TheGod of Warreboot was praised for its storytelling, character development, and innovative gameplay. It earned numerous awards and accolades, including Game of the Year honors from various publications and events. The game’s success was further cemented with the release of its PC port, which brought the experience to a new audience.
…people would say, “Let’s just start over. Let’s reboot it.” But I didn’t think we needed to do that. As a writer, you understand how hard it is to build up backstory for characters, so you can have impactful moments. You have to build toward something and then pay it off.
We built for 10 years! Let’s not throw that out. Let’s keep that, but let’s take chapter two. Let’s use that and have that resonate even stronger.
By building on the existing lore and history of the franchise, Barlog created a story that felt both fresh and familiar, allowing players to reconnect with Kratos while experiencing new adventures.
“I might not have taken it”: Real Reason Christopher Judge Almost Said No to Kratos in God of War
With the Windows port ofGod of War Ragnarokset for August 15, 2025, PC players can finally get a first-hand experience of the continuation of Kratos and Atreus’ journey in the Norse saga.
The port promises features like unlocked framerates, ultrawide screen support, and advanced upscaling technologies, ensuring players can experience the game at its best.
God of War (2018) is available on PlayStation 4/5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.The sequel to the reboot title, God of War Ragnarök, is available now on PlayStation 4/5, with pre-orders live for the PC port scheduled to release on July 30, 2025.
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :967
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.
