The God of War universe is expanding faster than anyone expected. Fresh leaks from gaming insiders reveal that Santa Monica Studio isn’t taking a break after Ragnarok’s massive success – they’re already deep into development on not one, but potentially two new projects that could reshape the franchise forever.
Santa Monica Studio’s Double Development Surprise
According to recent reports from Insider Gaming, Santa Monica Studio has been quietly working on the next major God of War installment while simultaneously developing what’s described as a “Metroidvania-style” spin-off. This revelation comes as a surprise to many fans who assumed the studio would take a well-deserved breather after delivering the critically acclaimed God of War Ragnarok.
The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. While most studios typically announce their next projects through official channels, these details emerged through gaming leak communities, suggesting Santa Monica Studio has been keeping their cards extremely close to their chest.
Cory Barlog’s Mystery Project Takes Center Stage
Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, one of the most trusted voices in gaming journalism, recently provided updates about Cory Barlog’s mysterious project. Barlog, the director behind 2018’s God of War reboot, stepped away from Ragnarok to focus on what Schreier calls Santa Monica’s “next big thing.”
Here’s where things get interesting. Schreier clarified that while Barlog’s game isn’t technically a new intellectual property, it “might feel like one.” This cryptic description has sent the gaming community into overdrive, speculating about what kind of radical departure we might see from the traditional God of War formula.
Development appears to be progressing smoothly, with Schreier noting that the last time he checked with industry sources a few months ago, everything was “going well.”
Metroidvania God of War: A Bold New Direction
The leaked Metroidvania-style God of War spin-off represents perhaps the most ambitious departure from the series’ traditional action-adventure format. This 2.5D approach would likely feature:
- Interconnected world exploration typical of Metroidvania games
- Ability-gated progression where new powers unlock previously inaccessible areas
- A return to Ancient Greece setting, potentially featuring a younger Kratos
- Side-scrolling or isometric gameplay perspective
While specific details remain scarce, industry insiders suggest this spin-off could arrive as early as 2026, though these timelines should be taken with appropriate skepticism given the fluid nature of game development.
Debunking the Sci-Fi Rumors
For years, speculation has swirled around Santa Monica Studio potentially developing a science fiction game. Schreier definitively shut down these rumors, calling the sci-fi speculation “nonsense.” This clarification helps narrow down what fans can realistically expect from the studio’s upcoming projects.
Instead of venturing into uncharted sci-fi territory, Santa Monica appears committed to expanding and reimagining their existing franchises in creative ways. This approach makes business sense, considering the massive success and cultural impact of the recent God of War games.
What This Means for God of War’s Future
The simultaneous development of multiple God of War projects suggests Sony and Santa Monica Studio view the franchise as a cornerstone of PlayStation’s exclusive game lineup. This multi-pronged approach allows them to:
Maintain momentum between major releases by offering different types of gaming experiences within the same universe. The Metroidvania spin-off could serve as a bridge between mainline entries, keeping fans engaged while the next major installment develops.
Experiment with gameplay mechanics in a lower-risk environment. Testing new ideas in a spin-off provides valuable feedback that could influence future mainline games.
Explore untold stories within the God of War mythology. A younger Kratos in Ancient Greece offers narrative opportunities that wouldn’t fit within the current Norse storyline.
The PlayStation Showcase Connection
With rumors of an upcoming PlayStation Showcase circulating throughout 2025, many industry watchers expect official announcements about Santa Monica’s projects. Sony hasn’t held a major showcase event in nearly two years, making the timing ripe for significant reveals.
The potential showcase could provide the perfect platform to officially unveil both the Metroidvania spin-off and offer glimpses of Barlog’s mysterious main project. Given the secrecy surrounding these developments, an official announcement would likely generate massive excitement within the gaming community.
Industry Impact and Expectations
Santa Monica Studio’s continued investment in the God of War franchise reflects broader industry trends toward expanding successful properties rather than constantly creating new intellectual properties. This approach provides financial stability while allowing creative teams to deepen their expertise within established universes.
The studio’s track record speaks for itself. The 2018 God of War reboot successfully reinvented a franchise many considered past its prime, while Ragnarok delivered a satisfying conclusion to the Norse saga. This proven ability to innovate within established frameworks gives fans reason to be optimistic about whatever comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the next God of War game be released?
While Santa Monica Studio is actively developing the next God of War game, no official release date has been announced. Industry speculation suggests the Metroidvania spin-off might arrive in 2026, but these timelines remain unconfirmed.
Will Cory Barlog direct the next main God of War game?
Cory Barlog is leading a major project at Santa Monica Studio, but it’s unclear whether this is the next mainline God of War game or a different project within the franchise. Jason Schreier describes it as something that “might feel like” a new IP while remaining within existing franchises.
What is the Metroidvania God of War game about?
The rumored Metroidvania-style God of War spin-off would likely feature 2.5D gameplay, interconnected world exploration, and potentially focus on a younger Kratos in Ancient Greece. However, these details come from leaks and haven’t been officially confirmed.
Is Santa Monica Studio making a sci-fi game?
No, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier has definitively stated that rumors about Santa Monica Studio developing a science fiction game are “nonsense.” The studio appears focused on expanding their existing franchises rather than venturing into sci-fi territory.
How many God of War games is Santa Monica Studio developing?
Based on current leaks and insider reports, Santa Monica Studio appears to be working on at least two God of War-related projects: a Metroidvania-style spin-off and another major project led by Cory Barlog. The exact nature and number of projects in development hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Will the next God of War continue the Norse mythology storyline?
God of War Ragnarok concluded Kratos and Atreus’s Norse saga, so future games will likely explore different mythologies or time periods. The rumored Metroidvania spin-off suggests a return to Ancient Greece, while the main project’s setting remains unknown.
Looking Ahead
The gaming industry thrives on anticipation, and Santa Monica Studio has masterfully built excitement around their upcoming projects without revealing too much. As we await official announcements, one thing remains clear: the God of War franchise continues evolving in unexpected directions.
Whether through innovative gameplay mechanics in a Metroidvania spin-off or Cory Barlog’s mysterious main project, Santa Monica Studio appears committed to pushing creative boundaries while honoring the franchise’s legacy. For fans of Kratos and his mythology-spanning adventures, the future looks more exciting than ever.