Why Did God of War Go from Greek to Norse?
The God of War franchise, developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. From its humble beginnings as a Greek mythology-inspired action-adventure game to its latest iteration, which delves into the world of Norse mythology. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this shift and what it means for the franchise’s future.
The Early Years: Greek Mythology
The first God of War game, released in 2005, was heavily influenced by Greek mythology. The game’s protagonist, Kratos, was a Spartan warrior who sought revenge against the Olympian gods for the death of his family. The game’s story was deeply rooted in Greek mythology, featuring characters like Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.
The Decline of Greek Mythology
As the franchise progressed, the team at Sony Santa Monica Studio began to feel that the Greek mythology setting was becoming stale. The team wanted to explore new and exciting mythological worlds, and Norse mythology seemed like the perfect fit.
The Rise of Norse Mythology
Norse mythology, which originated in Scandinavia, offers a rich and complex world of gods, goddesses, and monsters. The mythology is steeped in dark and gritty themes, which aligns perfectly with the tone of the God of War series.
The Benefits of Norse Mythology
So, why did the team choose Norse mythology over other mythological settings? Here are some benefits that Norse mythology offers:
• Unique Characters: Norse mythology is home to a wide range of unique and fascinating characters, such as Odin, Thor, and Freya. These characters offer a fresh and exciting perspective on the God of War franchise.
• Dark and Gritty Themes: Norse mythology is known for its dark and gritty themes, which align perfectly with the tone of the God of War series. This allows the team to explore mature and complex storylines.
• Uncharted Territory: Norse mythology is less explored in modern media compared to Greek mythology, which means that the team has a blank canvas to work with. This allows for a fresh and exciting take on the mythology.
The Impact on the Franchise
The shift to Norse mythology has had a significant impact on the God of War franchise. Here are some key changes:
• New Protagonist: Kratos, the protagonist of the series, has undergone a significant transformation. He is now an older, wiser, and more battle-hardened warrior, who is haunted by his past.
• New Storyline: The new storyline is set in a post-Apocalyptic world, where Kratos must navigate the treacherous world of Norse mythology. The story is more mature and complex, with a focus on character development and world-building.
• New Gameplay Mechanics: The new game features new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to wield multiple weapons and use magic. This adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay.
The Future of the Franchise
The shift to Norse mythology has opened up new possibilities for the God of War franchise. Here are some potential directions the franchise could take:
• More Expansive Storyline: The new storyline offers a lot of potential for expansion. The team could explore the world of Norse mythology in greater detail, introducing new characters and plot twists.
• New Characters: The team could introduce new characters from Norse mythology, such as the Nine Realms and the gods and goddesses that inhabit them.
• New Gameplay Mechanics: The team could continue to innovate and add new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to wield multiple weapons and use magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the team choose Norse mythology over other mythological settings?
A: The team chose Norse mythology because it offers a unique and complex world of gods, goddesses, and monsters, which aligns perfectly with the tone of the God of War series.
Q: Will the team continue to explore Greek mythology?
A: While the team has moved on to Norse mythology, they have not ruled out the possibility of returning to Greek mythology in the future.
Q: Will the new game feature the same protagonist, Kratos?
A: Yes, Kratos will continue to be the protagonist of the series, but he will undergo significant changes as he navigates the world of Norse mythology.
Q: Will the new game feature the same gameplay mechanics?
A: The new game will feature new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to wield multiple weapons and use magic, which adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay.
Q: Will the team continue to develop games in the God of War franchise?
A: Yes, the team is committed to developing more games in the God of War franchise, with a focus on exploring the world of Norse mythology.
Q: Will the team collaborate with other developers on future projects?
A: The team is open to collaborating with other developers on future projects, but they are committed to maintaining creative control over the franchise.
Q: Will the team continue to release games on the PlayStation platform?
A: Yes, the team is committed to releasing games on the PlayStation platform, but they are also exploring other options, such as PC and Xbox.
Q: Will the team continue to develop games in the same genre?
A: Yes, the team is committed to developing games in the action-adventure genre, but they are also exploring other genres and styles.
Q: Will the team continue to feature Kratos as the protagonist?
A: While Kratos will continue to be the protagonist of the series, the team is open to introducing new protagonists and characters in future games.
Conclusion
The shift to Norse mythology has been a bold and exciting move for the God of War franchise. The team has successfully reinvigorated the series, offering a fresh and exciting take on the mythology. As the franchise continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see where the team takes it next.