The future of theGod of Warfranchise is rather uncertain at the moment, but many have theorized that the long-running franchise will once again pivot to a new mythological pantheon. Egypt seems to be the top contender within the rumor mill, likely as a result ofGod of War’s various references to Egyptian godsand culture, though it should be noted that Santa Monica Studio itself hasn’t commented on such theories.
Assuming thatGod of Wardoes indeed shift to an Egyptian backdrop, though, the most pressing question is obvious: how will the franchise justify such a dramatic change in setting? Switching from the Greek to the Norse pantheon back in 2018 was risky, but Santa Monica pulled it off thanks to a confluence of major factors, not the least of which being the series' hiatus up to that point, and the significant gameplay and tonal shifts that accompanied the new premise; it was the start of a newGod of Warera, so a distinct setting was fitting rather than jarring. Circumstances are markedly different now, withGod of War’s narrative in a much clearer, more objective spot, which could complicate the series' future attempts at setting-hopping. Then again, there might be a way to bypass any challenges posed by current continuity.
The Next God of War Could Take a Doom: The Dark Ages Approach
Doom: The Dark Ages Justifies Its New Setting and Gameplay by Being a Prequel
While most associate theDoomfranchise with gory violence set against heavy metal bangers, it also has a surprisingly rich and nuanced story, with complex lore that’s been expanded with each entry, especially since 2016. The series is remarkablysimilar toGod of Warin some ways, not only because of its emphasis on brutal gameplay, but also through its epic story of gods, demons, and warriors, which is often more about ideas and themes than literal plot elements.
Granted,modernGod of Waris far more contemporary with its character-driven storytelling, but it’s still concerned with big ideas and broader archetypes, which gives its plot room to grow, twist, and mutate.
EnterDoom: The Dark Ages, a prequel game that maintains the essential characteristics of modernDoomwithout getting caught up in messy continuity issues.Dark Agesis set centuries before 2016’sDoom, which allows it to sidestep established lore and plot elements, thereby giving it more narrative and mechanical freedom. More importantly,Doom: The Dark Agesbridges the gap between the old and new eras ofDoom, being setbetweenDoom 64andDoom2016, andGod of Warcould be primed to form a similar sort of connective tissue.
The Next God of War Could Fill In a Big Blank by Being a Prequel
There’s a period of at least several decades betweenthe end ofGod of War 3and the start of the 2018 reboot, when Kratos was presumably traveling the world, wandering in search of a new home. One could assume that this Kratos, still reeling from the trauma of the original trilogy, is considerably different from the sober and wizened man players meet inGod of War2018, and exploring this unmoored, nomadic version of the character could be narratively interesting. It could also allow for a different gameplay philosophy, much like howDoom: The Dark Ages' gameplay is built around its new setting (or vice-versa).
Moreover, the fact that Kratos is between homes during this period would be the perfect, no-strings-attached justification for taking the series to a new location, such as Egypt. The ending ofGod of War 3suggests thatKratos escaped Greecethrough the Mediterranean Sea, and with Egypt being just south of Greece, a prequel could show players this new setting with little to no major contrivances.
God of War Ragnarok
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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.
