The Expanding Future of Santa Monica Studio: Beyond Kratos
When Santa Monica Studio appeared at the recent State of Play, fans received the long-rumored news: the iconic God of War Trilogy Remake is officially happening. For countless PlayStation devotees, this means reliving the brutal, mythological sagas that defined early 2000s gaming. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s happening behind closed doors at the legendary development house.
Multiple Projects in Motion
Santa Monica Studio’s reputation as a powerhouse is built on its devotion to the God of War franchise—ever since the days of the PlayStation 2, their creative output has largely focused on Kratos and his world of gods, monsters, and generational trauma. However, recent months have shed light on a studio not just content to revisit its past, but also eager to expand its horizons.
Among the most discussed developments is the mysterious unannounced project helmed by the studio’s long-standing creative visionary, Cory Barlog. Barlog, who shaped not just the original trilogy but also the celebrated 2018 soft reboot, is now steering a secretive initiative that’s generating as much speculation as excitement. While Barlog took a step back for Ragnarök, industry insiders report he’s been quietly working on this new game for years—signaling a possible shift in both genre and tone for the studio.
Fact and Rumor: What’s Really Coming?
Enthusiasts, leakers, and PlayStation insiders are in a frenzy to determine if this unannounced game is a fresh IP or a resurrection of a classic. Although initial rumors suggested a leap into science fiction, reliable voices like Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier have definitively shot that down. Instead, it appears Barlog’s project could be a revival of a beloved—yet dormant—PlayStation property, not dependent on external licenses and not set in outer space. Names such as Heavenly Sword, Drakan, and even Shadow of the Beast routinely surface on gaming forums, but so far, no credible insider has confirmed which one. This cloud of secrecy only fuels anticipation as Summer Game Fest approaches.
The God of War Renaissance
Fans anxious about Santa Monica Studio’s focus can breathe easy—the future of God of War is far from uncertain. In addition to the trilogy remake, there’s confirmation a completely new mainline entry is in development. Insiders suggest the next chapter for Kratos will pull him from Norse ice to the sun-scorched lands of ancient Egypt, complete with new mythologies and weapons like the legendary khopesh. The studio appears to be doubling down on its flagship series while also experimenting with new creative ventures.
There’s also God of War: Sons of Sparta, a spin-off developed in partnership with Mega Cat Studios, blending pixel art and modern storytelling into a distinctive package for fans hungry for new perspectives within the saga.
Technical Sophistication and Artistic Vision
As anticipation mounts, one certainty is Santa Monica Studio’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technical and narrative design. Their use of cinematic real-time rendering, photogrammetry for ancient weaponry, and dynamic storytelling mechanics has set new benchmarks for action-adventure games. Given Sony’s ongoing investment in proprietary game engines and cross-platform optimization, expectations for both the God of War remake and Barlog’s secret project are sky-high.
What remains clear is that Santa Monica Studio is no longer just the house that Kratos built. The team is evolving—tapping into its roots, looking to unused icons in PlayStation history, and exploring innovations that could set the industry agenda for years to come.
