All eyes are on Santa Monica Studio’s nextGod of Wargame, though what it will actually be like is anyone’s guess.God of War Ragnaroktees up Atreusas the new lead of the series, while the freeValhallaDLC suggests that Kratos will assume a position of leadership in the Norse pantheon. Both of these narrative developments provide fertile soil for a captivating next chapter in the franchise, but one aspect of the upcoming game seems like a bit of a given.
Indeed, manyGod of Warfans have assumed that the sequel toRagnarokwill spirit the franchise’s leads away to a different mythological pantheon altogether. There’s a precedent for this, of course: 2018’sGod of Warestablished that several distinct mythologies exist within the series' universe. It didn’t just confirm the existence of the Norse gods, either, as it has several allusions to Egyptian mythology as well. Considering how many times Egyptian lore is referenced inGod of War, it seems like the most likely candidate to be featured in the next game. And while this has great potential, it could also backfire, depending on how Santa Monica handles it.
The Next God of War’s Foray Into a New Mythology Could Be Short-Lived
God of War Is Seemingly Becoming Less Committed To Its Mythological Backdrops
If one were to include mobile games and spin-offs, then there are roughly fifteen games in theGod of Warfranchise. But when looking only at the mainline games, there are only three entries set in Greece, and two in the Norse realms. WithGod of War Ragnarok’s endingheavily suggesting that the series will pivot away from these realms—all the major conflicts have been resolved at this point—there’s every chance that a new mythology, Egyptian or otherwise, will be the foundation that the next game is built upon.
This would mean three games in Greece and only two in the North, suggesting that the franchise’s visit to Egypt could be similarly brief. There’s even a possibility that Santa Monica Studios would make only the quickest of stops in these new lands, making it the backdrop of only one game, giving the franchise’s settings a 3-2-1 pattern. If this were to happen, then the series runs the risk of losing its identity, becoming more like an anthology than a tight, focused story about one man and his family. Now, some might actually think this is a good thing, as experimentation and risk-taking typically are, but there’s still reason to want a greater commitment,whereverGod of Wargoes next.
Whether in Egypt or Elsewhere, the Next Leg of the God of War Story Should Take Its Time
Despite living in the Norse lands for several years before the events of 2018’sGod of War, it’s not until the start of that game that Kratos is introduced to their gods. Almost immediately upon making first contact with Baldur, everything goes sideways, and the game plummets toward a destructive, apocalyptic climax. Bythe end ofGod of War Ragnarok, so many of the Norse gods are either dead or forever changed, to the point where players may never really get a chance to see what this pantheon could be like without Kratos' influence.
A slower, more granular story could be a nice change of pace in the Norse saga’s wake, as it would allow audiences to become better acquainted withGod of War’s next setting. It would also help prevent the next game from feeling rushed, which is a criticism that some have leveled atGod of War Ragnarok.
