The Pitch For Reimagining God Of War

Game Informer interviews God of War's creative director Cory Barlog and Sony Santa Monica studio head Shannon Studstill about the decision to reimagine the entire series for Kratos' first adventure on the PlayStation 4.
See more exclusive God of War videos here - bit.ly/2CEkiv2

[@anthonysanchez7538]

When I was playing the first God of War i was still in college. It was perfect for me at the time. I now have a family and kids, so yes, this is the perfect evolution.

[@anthonysanchez7538]

stuntguy2012 huh?

[@Martin_TheCollector]

stuntguy2012 wow you pathetic asswipe. Why didn't you properly spell out your racist comment? Too stupid?!

[@SuperBabyMario0C]

Basic as hell. Fuck kids and family but I still enjoy a great story lmao. No offense. I have a dog tho

[@joshtheguy6907]

SuperBabyMario0C this comment sent me through a rollar coaster of emotion

[@SuperBabyMario0C]

It's just ppl be like "now I have a family and kids" nah you always had family now you just have kids haha. Good luck. Not for me tho

[@monsaemon]

This conversation got a lot deeper then I though it would.

[@kashstory]

I like that it did.

[@rajatmadan360]

This game will knock it out of the park, Santa Monica ain't fucking around !

[@alanmckinney5299]

Game Factory you mean naughty dog

[@udobybreak6393]

I come from the future, you are correct.

[@cdralda]

Mayan Era? This would be the coolest thing ever. No other developer has truly explored this topic. I would love to see something like that.

[@Horzydood]

He was spot on about open world fatigue, im a huge fan of linear narrative driven games, this is why im a fan of sony.

[@silviosantannajr]

Will buy It on day 1. Physical copy surely

[@okwaho5316]

They knocked it out of the park off the planet and yet they are inhumanely humble about it. Someone give this man and his team a medal. Also cake.

[@SageofSorrow]

Cory Barlog always seemed like a hilarious guy to be around. I remember on the very first God of War during the making of featurette, he was always the funniest and most interesting one whenever he camera was on him....now he’s the director of the franchise. Awesome

[@sev2300]

Cory’s glasses are great imo.

[@kneckebro]

any chance you know what model are those?

[@BlueTreeArrangement]

It's Saul/Smoke by Ace & Tate :)

[@kneckebro]

on point ty

[@HKarlsson]

The first game in the series where I absolutely will play this day 1. Not really into the earlier games, but this new take really shakes things up. I'm so stoked!

[@thegodslayer6640]

you have to play all of the games so you will get into the story its really entertaining and your going to get familiar with the story as well

[@BigVEE]

>first game >game I don't know about all that. >will get day 1 Second time I won't (GoW:A). First time I won't even get it used. YT has me covered. >really shakes things up It certainly shakes the baby, yes. >Swede >Dad Step-Dad of War:Cuckratos Edition must have been made for you.

[@HKarlsson]

BigVEE I guess. Just for me.

[@ryannelson6451]

Totally agree with you. I played a few of the old ones but never could really get into it. this new direction is more my speed. cant wait to play it.

[@BigVEE]

>couldn't get into it You've come to the right place, then, friend. Ready to get good with GoW proper? Shall we start with GoW1? What's the precise run history, anyway? You at least cleared Normal, I imagine. >can't wait to play Watch, rather. Though I suppose you can "play" a movie (in a sense).

[@tomekgrzanka90]

Can't wait for this masterpiece

[@TheAmazingLucas]

Alright you earned a sub, if you cover Spider-Man the same way that would be great.

[@EvanFilarca]

The Amazing Lucas Ditto buddy! 😁

[@abstractheory1]

WOW! You earned the respect and even recruited the elusive and holy "The Amazing Lucas". What a feat! Pat yourself on the back, Game Informer.

[@Ahlgreenz]

Guess you're happy now :) !

[@peter_cornell]

You must be satisfied there Lucas.

[@blackstardragon_]

The Amazing Lucas Lmao seriously with Spider-Man ???? It’s not that great. But it is cool.

[@omeletezzz]

The cool thing about Cory is he thinks like a gamer. He knows exactly what the audience want

[@MrDreamEvil007]

Come on Cory my employer needs ample notice of time off I'm going to be taken for this game

[@Tensolin01]

There's a tone of gods this could go on for a looooong time

[@KHII]

It would have been so easy for them to use this setting but use a brand new protagonist. The fact that they’re bringing Kratos back, and referencing his past and the things he did is amazing, it’s a deep dive in story I didn’t think God of War was capable of

[@Giogiogio4]

I believe it would have been HARDER to have a new character. Reasons is GOW is a brand. Selling a new IP is a hard thing to do to the higher ups. its always more risk. Hench why we see soo many sequels. The team did the right thing tho. Making a new game with a series and moving it forward rather than recycling it with little to no new effort. Which is something many Studios dont get to do because "profit" is more important.

[@kevinkamperman4082]

It’s refreshing knowing that some studios still really care about quality gameplay and compelling stories/characterization over live service monetization.

[@XxBUMGODxX]

Feels great to be excited for this. Microsoft better get the ball rolling. Competition is good for us

[@farmsalot1233]

XxBUMGODxX I love my ps4 ,and switch. But also hope Microsoft learns from there mistakes and start making a lot of single player exclusives to give the other companies a run for there money.

[@Steely_Fran]

I agree.

[@DVRKSTXR]

First things first, Microsoft needs to stray away from their Trinity *(Halo, Gears, Forza)* and capitalize on the investments that they keep saying that they have. They almost did that with Insomniac Games and Sunset Overdrive, but they managed to drop the ball on that as well. It’s not too late for them, but it really is getting to that, now or never period for them.

[@TheSaxAppeal]

Unfortunately, Microsoft is siding with EA that single player campaign driven games are dead

[@cable6169]

‘Open world games feel like homework.’ Couldn’t have said it better myself!!

[@soulnystasego792]

1:35 "Ops, Wrong way"

[@qaswara9755]

Soulnysta sego I thought the same thing 😂

[@trenzalore616ok5]

Do u kno da wae

[@dmadking3817]

I really understand what he means by open world games feeling like homework, stopped play witcher 3 and FFXV cos my OCD was driving me crazy

[@TheSmurf1973]

Tajirinere Agboghoroma I completely agree with you. When he said that, it dawned on me that is exactly how I feel about open world games now. It becomes a chore as the "to do" list gets bigger and bigger and bigger.

[@TheSmurf1973]

Filip S "Putting effort into stuff"??? I play games for fun, not for effort. Besides, Witcher 3 is widely regarded as the pinnacle of open world gaming and should not be used as an indication of the level of quality for the rest of open world games out there. Most open world games think that throwing busywork at you around every corner is depth but its not. Well done on assuming the worst of someone you've never met. It says more about you than your amatuerish attempt at internet psychology says about me.

[@dimitrisbam1132]

Witcher is not a chore I was sad because I finished the game I wanted more..and then came the dlc's and trully the shit hit the fun...

[@TheSmurf1973]

dimitris bam Who said the Witcher was a chore??

[@DVRKSTXR]

Much like the 10 year wait for FFXV, certain side quests within the game made me feel as if it would require a full decade just to complete the side quest and get back to the main storyline.

[@shaunakdeshpande3837]

I'm getting worried that there is no release date yet. I hope they live up to the promise of early 2018 release

[@geekandfreak1558]

Shaunak Deshpande god of war 3 was announced in January for a march release looks like this move would be the same

[@samsolis92781]

Are you not buying the game if it comes out in May instead of March? I’m just hoping it comes out by May since there’s no date yet. It can’t come out in June because that’s the e3 month and everything after that would push all their games back.

[@alextownley9388]

Sony Santa Monica just a few days ago said on Twitter that the game Is still coming out in early 2018, so no need to worry :)

[@samsolis92781]

Alex Townley but what does early 2018 really mean? May... April.... or March??

[@alextownley9388]

Shogun_Blade Z well it generally means Quarter 1 which is January through March.

[@Pallavfree]

Totally agree about the open-world fatigue. My friend calls it 'smelling all the cracks'. I'm always afraid I missed a collectible or upgrade.

[@rickxama]

It is a craft,,one of the signs that the game industry is maturing is the fact that its becoming an art. No dout its not jus silly fun anymore, games are becoming deep meaningful and artistic narratives, without forgoing the gameplay of course, and that makes me very happy and proud to be a part of the gaming community. Cory deserves many praises for what he did with god of war. I never played a gow game before, but now i am a fan!

[@filiplaskovski9993]

Well done Cory you and your team made a masterpiece

[@diegomaldonado5560]

I really can’t wait until this game comes out this will be incredible. I want to fucking use the leviathan already.

[@lukemoonwalker8444]

Wow Santa Monica devs talking about Zelda !

[@fahad7264]

“Open world games felt like homework” I honestly couldn’t have said it, or rather, thought it better myself. Nowadays, there is a surplus of empty open world games with tedious side quests. Playing these games truly feels like a chore so games like God of War really felt like a breath of fresh air to the industry.

[@RapMusic18]

Buying this game Day 1, everything about it looks so good

[@RapMusic18]

a starving african child Don’t say that!! Lol this looks too good to be bad

[@Drewsky-A]

Imagine a continuation on the norse world and at some point Kratos gets the opportunity to pick up Thor's hammer and there's this huge build up and Kratos is able to pick it up. I would lose my fucking mind if that happened

[@supermanofearth2256]

I know the experience I'll take away the most is seeing Kratos back on my screen, to me there's never been a bad God of War game I love them all and I know 100% I'll love this one!!

[@spyguyvishal]

Man! the interview got DEEP towards the end

[@Erdeppol]

6:46 true dat.

[@Stoicescu_28]

I fucking love god of war !

[@TheSmurf1973]

I cannot wait for this game! Once I heard Cory Barlog was back onboard for it, I had no doubts that this game will be amazing.

[@ejkk9513]

The way he explained the "open world craze", that's going on right now is exactly on point to my thoughts. I'm so tired of endless, pointless, side quests and trillions of collectables! I love the world design of God of War. It is linear story driven game but in open playing areas and secrets waiting to be discovered. The pacing for this game is absolutely perfect and if it was open world, it would ruin the pacing and make the game into an endless collectathion with stupid fetch quest's. Thank you Cory and the development team for this masterpiece! My favorite game of the year hands down and one of my favorite games that I've EVER played! Going back to beat it for a third time and possibly the most valuable game that I've ever spent $60 on. Thank you Sony as well for taking this risk and giving us this game. Please bring more of these types of games to the market. We are starving for them!

[@ShowlidSnake]

So when are we gonna beat the shit out of Wukong?

[@bigdog7632]

Cory managed to make a game look better then the trailer

[@Dryvlyne]

I've been a GoW fan since the franchise started and can relate to how they are trying to evolve the game. I'm 37 now and have 2 kids (9yr & 6yr) and look forward to seeing if old man Kratos and I have evolved down a similar path :-)

[@calvinbronson7930]

So tell me how in 8:42 of this video she says that Cory already is talking about more stories for future GoW games?! Holy sh*t can't wait!!!

[@SebastianSkadisson]

I love what you guys at Santa Monica Studio do, stay the way you all are. Keep making decisions they way you do. And thank you Sony for trusting and supporting Development Studios like this one all over the world. I have the feeling that we got a GOTY featuring Kratos comming our way in just a few days, even with knowing that this could be a different type of game, probably meaning less of a hack and slash and instead a more physical, meaty, consequential kind of action combat where you need to analyze enemy movement, physique, your positioning and each weapon type present in battle.

[@messialonso4236]

Damn I remember when i playedthe first GOW and i was stunned and that was when i was in high school. Now i have a family and I cannot believe the huge turn around this game made not to mention that I have stick to the Play Station thanks to this game!

[@CaptainCJ97]

Corey made a good point about open world games

[@SuperJumpReviews]

I can't wait for this to come out.

[@seek4change]

Why Game Informer are so good at making interviews? this one reminded me of the interview with voice cast of Metal Gear Solid, I learned from it about MGS more than I ever did either from the game itself or articles, and really felt the atmosphere they had back then and get to know each one contributed in the franchise, the trick I guess lies in the simplicity of the interview per se, IGN for instance, so fancy and inflated yet never satisfying. Big thumb up.

[@yozetty]

Muhannad Ali We love you, tell a friend!

[@johnx140]

Cory is the best director any developer company could ever have,this guy actually CARES about video games,AND it is the most effective director,everything he does its top tier! i mean,what else can you ask for?

[@Rambeard]

Cory hit the nail on the head with his description of open world games for me lol

[@xXpatt0nXx]

God of war in Egypt? Take my money.

[@jinxblaze]

jesus christ, both of them are really smart about how they talk

[@КристиянХристов-ы3г]

I actually believe that this game is going to be great and I sincerely hope that it doesn't disappoint

[@judewojcik3305]

Kratos in GOW4 looks like Cory Barlog

[@sabalghoo]

The Last of Us really changed the gaming industry

[@sabalghoo]

And for the better

[@joystickpeps21]

Yes it did. One of my favorite games of all time. Video games evolve, so this style of games will probably not be as popular as it is now forever but that's what's so great about video games. They are always evolving!

[@samuraix5295]

I can't imagine an era in which he is a samurai but a Ronin will be dope

[@dillonstidham782]

This is the way to go for this franchise. I can't wait to play this game. I'm so damn pumped up.

[@dylanpatterson5995]

This guy needs to be behind more games. Cause he gets why we play games. If more developers had people like him we would be better off.

[@GeekdomCentral]

I think that seeing God of War going Egyptian would be incredibly badass. I'd love to see that mythos.

[@RickxDogg]

Corey’s gotta be one of the weirdest dudes in the gaming industry. But I kinda like it. Can’t wait for this game!

[@micahsackey8680]

You should see his rapid fire interview if you haven’t. The dude is crazy, but funny

[@Skitz0frenix]

Haven't you seen that dude from the Game Awards? The one that screamed "FUCK THE OSCARS". I think he's weirder 🌚

[@nathanwanamaker4835]

Name one genius that aint crazy -Kanye West lol

[@DVRKSTXR]

Weird is good. Especially, for the sake of creativity. In that regard, it’s basically detrimental.

[@Boxman-GG]

Franchise I can't wait you guys are amazing greatest game past present and in immediate future I I have one kid a boy and he is 8 I love this game from the bottem to the top of me heart.

[@juancampos7233]

I agree with what he said about open world games I'm still playing the witcher 3 and I got that game at launch. Also the witcher 3 is right now my favorite game of all time right now and I think this game might change that

[@ruglife]

Being able to play a game with a good story is like watching a movie that you get to interact with. Gow,last of us, uncharted, I'm a sucker for those type games.

[@obudanbondon]

try Baldur's Gate 3, The Walking Dead Definitive Edition by Telltale Games and possibly even Alan Wake 2, which I smell like it's a blast of a game to play right now, but haven't tried it yet

[@Yoummgv]

He will found the fountain of the youth and keep living different ages... yessss

[@cosmic5368]

I'm so damn hyped for this game

[@Rycerz49]

Artists need freedom to create, then they can come up with something truly amazing. Incredibly talented people at Sony Santa Monica and across the board at Sony

[@Gclv69]

I better see some nude elven women in the game or something

[@SHiTJuFro743]

underrated comment

[@Gclv69]

a starving african child I don't really care about the sex mini games I just want some nudity in the game at least

[@dreamerabe]

I hope y'all are teenagers. It would be sad if you're actually adults.

[@tylerwells841]

Brandon Smith the rating does not mention nudity. It only states: Blood and gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language

[@RylanStorm]

Brandon Smith Cory has already said there won't be any nudity in the game.

[@589sponge]

Really good interview very insightful!!

[@innercitadel3279]

Love the shirt. Does anyone know where I can buy it.

[@fenriralucard5163]

I was very comfortable pushing the cage. Very comfortable.

[@DracoMann]

I can't wait, I am a huge god if war fan. The day this game comes out I am going to buy it.

[@daviddante1999]

I can not wait for this! Seeing the changes shocked me at first, as a fan since the first on PS2, I can see this is going to be good for the series though

[@devilgames2217]

Reminds me of a mix between TLOU and Rise of the Tomb Raider.

[@Clesstan]

#dayonewethere

[@poloy4288]

I can't wait...

[@GamingCentralONYT]

I wanna now the red or blue boxes that give you back HEALTH,XP,POWER are gonna be back into the the new god of war

[@589sponge]

Good to see games made with the older gamer in mind.

[@1983Film]

An Egyptian era of GOW would be amazing!!

[@LeeMilby]

I noticed in the b roll shots of the team working on the video game programming etc in other interviews, and I was really surprised at number of women working there. Now, knowing that the company is woman-lead, it makes perfect sense. Great to see woman leadership in this industry, showing that women can also lead the charge in creating successful action themed works, and that you don't need the whole team to consist of men to tell manly stories.

[@relaxingspot2024]

The industry needs more games with a little more focus on story, and the stories to be more serious and mature. Another good example is TLOU. I'm just sick of playing games as kids saying "with better gameplay" but the whole gameplay is just smashing 1 single button to make "combo". I prefer stuff like TLOU or GoW. Hope the new Spider-Man will be treated the same

[@slvrcobra1337]

No, the industry does NOT fucking need that. We have enough of that, like 99% of Sony's games are "Gritty Realistic Story Game", meanwhile they let Ratchet and Clank fall to the wayside. What happened to all the fun, wacky, over the top games? Are we only going to get remasters of old ones for the rest of eternity? Where's Burnout, Destroy All Humans, Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper, Psychonauts, SSX, Def Jam, Mercenaries, BF: Bad Company, Red Faction? I'm so sick of games being more concerned about being 4K pretty movies than games.

[@robertlopez669]

Anyone know where we can buy the PlayStation shirt that Cory is wearing?

[@kashstory]

I agree with what he said about Open World games. I always found them to be cumbersome. They tend to focus on like a million different minor things, rather than making the main stuff great. I always liked a more linear game, where they had the polish to the main missions where it all feels more grand and exciting. The only exceptions to it for me personally is Zelda BOTW, and Horizon Zero Dawn. Really loved those games, especially Zelda.

[@SuosRift]

We love god of war!!... I LOVE GOD OF WAR!!!!!! keep up the good work guys

[@marijnmarijn3406]

Why cant i pre order god of war 4 on ps store??

[@wheeloftime2698]

Marijn marijn yes you can

[@Anonyminded]

I really liked more old school almost isometric camera with hack and slash mayhem and chaos you cause do the enemies, it was really cool concept also for the range of weapons Kratos had. There was also unique way to strategize combat and attacking enemies, which was almost close to Diablo style of games. I simply don't see that much fluidity and dynamic in combat with 3rd person view. Blades of chaos with angry, raging Kratos was awesome, addictive combination and combat felt simply amazing. For me GOW was always about arrogant, angry, bad boy Kratos character, who doesn't give a shit and who's definitely not some responsible father figure. I think this GOW will be a big change in what how combat felt before... I am going to definitely miss blades of chaos ;)

[@RegularStupidPeople]

If you check the rating description of the game, the Blades are mentioned to appear

[@Anonyminded]

suri berardi yeah but probably wont be used

[@iliasVoolgaris]

"Also he becomes a father" "Again, right?" "Well, for real this time" Wow, ouch.His dead wife and daughter really felt that.

[@marianmakula1213]

That pasion make this game good . Hyped AF

[@NYYanks2003040506]

Very interested to see how this game turns out. It's God of War, so I'm going to buy it because I love the franchise but not sure I'm down with all the changes. I like a more mature character and story, absolutely fine with that. What I worry about is Kratos having the kid with him and I think I'd have preferred more hack 'n slash style gameplay like the older ones. That said, a lot of the gameplay does still seem pretty flashy so it may not be exactly the same but it could still feel close to the classic style. We'll see what happens. At worst it'll still be a very good game.

[@MrAshes2Ashes69]

Yessssss!!! The one person who feels the same about open world

[@cesarfigueroa4118]

Bruh it's fuckin God of War who doesn't love Kratos this game is gonna be beast just like the rest

[@fatboy1685]

WHO BLEW THE SERPENTS HORN!?!?

[@AP90x]

Just give me spiderman

[@Ncruz64]

Chapter 2 of the next Era... This is Magical 😏

[@olivio2D]

This guy looks like Ian from Smosh

[@lukelemmon475]

3:40 when she's talking about who they wanted directing the game it makes me think of how they should have treated star wars.

[@adamhonest5754]

When are we getting a release date for this game

[@clyd1bon]

Adam Honest late this month. They did the same thing with gow3

[@Fkhalfblood]

My bet the release date will be revealed on the 4th Feb.

[@Mark-pi9kd]

Adam Honest You can bet you’re life it will be delayed.

[@lfinch150]

I get it kratos did what he needed to do know its time to get on with his life and i freaking love it which i assume is eternal

[@589sponge]

Can't wait to dig up the old time Greek weapons! Hades claws anyone?

[@psychofunksoldier02]

This game is so much better than I thought it would be. I thought GOW1 blew my mind when it came out and GOW2 was great too, but I didn’t really like GOW3 all that much. I mean it was good and fun but not a game I ever went back to. This is the best GOW IMO.

[@AllieMoonSailor]

The combat looks fun.

[@ll13gaming]

MAYAN ERA please!!!!!!! :D

[@shaheemleo9920]

Why did they remove the hack and slash gameplay?

[@jevonsygu1]

I want Mayan era of God of War