Why is Thor Fat in God of War?
The 2018 video game God of War, developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio, has been a huge success, receiving widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. One of the most noticeable changes in the game is the appearance of the Norse gods, particularly Thor, who is depicted as being significantly overweight. This departure from the traditional depiction of Thor in mythology and popular culture has raised questions among fans and critics alike. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Thor’s altered appearance in God of War.
Design Choices
The game’s creative director, Cory Barlog, explained that the decision to make Thor fat was a deliberate design choice to make him more relatable and human-like. Barlog wanted to stray away from the traditional, idealized depiction of the gods in mythology and popular culture. By making Thor more realistic and imperfect, the developers aimed to create a sense of empathy and connection with the character.
Story Context
Thor’s weight gain is also a reflection of the story’s context. In the game, the events of the story take place nine years after the death of Thor’s father, Odin. Thor has been struggling to come to terms with his loss and has become withdrawn and isolated. His weight gain is a manifestation of his emotional state, symbolizing his inner turmoil and depression.
Gameplay Mechanics
The game’s designers also considered the gameplay mechanics when creating Thor’s character model. A larger, more imposing figure would have been more effective in the game’s combat system, allowing players to feel more powerful and dominant on the battlefield.
Impact on Storytelling
Thor’s weight gain has also had a significant impact on the storytelling in the game. His character development is closely tied to his physical appearance, as his struggles with his weight are used to illustrate his emotional struggles. The game’s narrative is deeply personal and character-driven, with Thor’s weight gain serving as a metaphor for his inner demons.
Reception
The decision to make Thor fat has been met with a mixed reaction from fans and critics. Some have praised the game’s bold choice, while others have criticized it as unnecessary and jarring. The game’s developer, Cory Barlog, has responded to the criticism, stating that the decision was a deliberate choice to make the game more realistic and emotionally resonant.
Comparison to Other Media
It’s worth noting that Thor’s weight gain in God of War is not unique. Other media, such as comics and films, have also depicted Thor as being overweight or struggling with his weight. This departure from the traditional depiction of Thor highlights the versatility and creativity of the character, as well as the willingness of creators to experiment and challenge audience expectations.
FAQs
Q: Why did the developers decide to make Thor fat?
A: The developers wanted to make Thor more relatable and human-like, and to stray away from the traditional, idealized depiction of the gods in mythology and popular culture.
Q: Is Thor’s weight gain a commentary on real-world issues?
A: While the game’s developers did not specifically set out to comment on real-world issues, Thor’s weight gain can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles many people face with body image and mental health.
Q: Does Thor’s weight gain affect the gameplay?
A: Yes, Thor’s larger size and weight gain have an impact on the gameplay mechanics, making him a more imposing and powerful figure on the battlefield.
Q: Has the game’s depiction of Thor influenced other media?
A: While it’s too early to say whether the game’s depiction of Thor will have a lasting impact on the character’s depiction in other media, it’s clear that the game has sparked a wider conversation about the character and his portrayal in popular culture.
Q: Will Thor’s weight gain be a permanent aspect of the character’s design?
A: The developers have not confirmed whether Thor’s weight gain will be a permanent aspect of the character’s design, but it’s likely that the character’s appearance will continue to evolve and develop in future games.
Q: Has the game’s depiction of Thor been well-received by fans and critics?
A: The game’s depiction of Thor has been met with a mixed reaction from fans and critics, with some praising the game’s bold choice and others criticizing it as unnecessary and jarring.
Q: Will the game’s depiction of Thor influence the character’s depiction in future media?
A: It’s possible that the game’s depiction of Thor could influence the character’s depiction in future media, but it’s too early to say whether this will be the case.
Q: Has the game’s depiction of Thor been successful in terms of storytelling and character development?
A: Yes, the game’s depiction of Thor has been successful in terms of storytelling and character development, with the character’s weight gain serving as a powerful metaphor for his emotional struggles.
Conclusion
Thor’s weight gain in God of War is a bold and creative choice that has sparked a wider conversation about the character and his portrayal in popular culture. While the decision has been met with a mixed reaction from fans and critics, it’s clear that the game’s developers have successfully created a character that is both relatable and memorable. As the game’s narrative continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Thor’s weight gain and character development continue to evolve and develop.