The PlayStation 2 is widely regarded as a pivotal game console, as it laid the groundwork for the current triple-A gaming landscape. Notable third-party franchises like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter emerged during this period, while the console’s first-party titles catapulted their developers to A-tier status.

A prime example of this is the original God of War, which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary. Sony Santa Monica’s hack-and-slash game made a lasting impression with its engaging demo, which introduced players to Kratos’ brutal combat style and penchant for taking down mythological creatures in gruesome fashion. At the time, the PS2’s flagship action game was Devil May Cry, but God of War carved out its own niche, appealing to a distinct (albeit similarly youthful) audience.

The success of God of War spawned a beloved franchise, with Sony Santa Monica leading the development of mainline installments like God of War III and the more recent Norse duology. Meanwhile, the late Ready at Dawn created spinoffs like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, which expanded on Kratos’ backstory and the events between the first two games. Although the quality remained generally consistent, the franchise eventually felt like it was being milked for all it was worth, with the failed movie adaptation being a notable example. By the time Ascension was released in 2013, Kratos seemed to have run out of steam, despite the ending of God of War III hinting at his potential return.

However, Kratos made a triumphant return in 2018 with the soft reboot God of War, which introduced a new pantheon, a son, and a wicked axe. The game also provided opportunities for Kratos to reflect on his past actions and the devastating consequences of his Greek era. Given the character’s history of brutality, it was a bold move to portray him as a father seeking a better life for his son, Atreus, during their journey through Midgard to scatter his late wife’s ashes. The new direction resonated with fans and newcomers alike, thanks in large part to the performances of Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic.

Throughout its 20-year history, the God of War series has been defined by its spectacular action sequences. The franchise has consistently depicted Kratos as a force of nature, leaving destruction in his wake. While PlayStation’s first-party lineup has often prioritized cinematic greatness, God of War achieves this goal more frequently and with more enthusiasm than most. From epic battles against titans and dragons to intense one-on-one brawls against gods, the series is packed with memorable moments that make playing them an exhilarating experience. Other action games have attempted to replicate the scale and combat of God of War, but Sony Santa Monica’s formula has struck a sweet spot, allowing the franchise to endure across multiple console generations.

With a TV adaptation in the works and other mythologies waiting to be explored, the future of God of War looks bright. The prospect of Kratos battling his way through various mythologies has long been a desirable one, and it’s easy to envision Sony Santa Monica taking this approach, similar to Assassin’s Creed or Call of Duty. Alternatively, the studio could apply the lessons learned from God of War to a new project, much like Naughty Dog or Insomniac have done in the past. According to a former developer’s 2024 LinkedIn post, this seems to be the case, and one can only hope that the new endeavor will be successful in its own right. When Kratos eventually returns, it will hopefully feel like a major event, much like the reboot’s initial reveal.

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