Will Ragnarok be the Last God of War?
The God of War franchise has been a staple of the gaming industry for over two decades, with its first installment released in 2005. The series has undergone significant changes over the years, from its humble beginnings as a PlayStation 2 exclusive to its current status as a multi-platform franchise. The latest installment, God of War (2018), received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
The latest news surrounding the franchise is the announcement of God of War: Ragnarök, a sequel to the 2018 game, set to release in 2022. However, this raises an important question: will Ragnarök be the last God of War game?
A Brief History of God of War
To understand the possibility of Ragnarök being the last God of War game, it’s essential to look back at the franchise’s history. The original God of War game was released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, and it follows the story of Kratos, a Spartan warrior, as he seeks revenge against the Olympian gods for killing his family.
The franchise continued to grow, with each subsequent game building upon the previous one’s story and gameplay. The series underwent significant changes with the release of God of War (2018), which rebooted the franchise and introduced a new, more personal story for Kratos and his son, Atreus.
The Impact of Ragnarök on the Franchise
God of War: Ragnarök is set to continue the story of Kratos and Atreus as they face the events of Norse mythology. The game’s director, Cory Barlog, has stated that Ragnarök will be a "more aggressive" game than its predecessor, with a greater focus on combat and exploration.
However, some fans have expressed concerns that the game’s story may be the conclusion of the Kratos saga. Barlog has also hinted that the game may be the last chapter in Kratos’ story, stating that the character has "come full circle" and that the game will be a " culmination of everything we’ve been building towards."
Will Ragnarök be the Last God of War?
While it’s unclear whether Ragnarök will be the last God of War game, there are several factors that suggest it may be. Here are a few reasons why:
- Conclusion of Kratos’ Story: As mentioned earlier, Cory Barlog has hinted that Ragnarök may be the last chapter in Kratos’ story. If the game’s story concludes with a sense of closure for Kratos, it’s possible that the franchise may not continue in the same way.
- New Direction for the Franchise: The success of God of War (2018) has opened up new possibilities for the franchise. The game’s director, Eric Williams, has stated that the team is exploring new directions for the franchise, including potentially moving away from Kratos as the main character.
- Changing Tides in the Gaming Industry: The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and franchises that were once dominant may no longer be as popular. If the franchise’s popularity begins to decline, it may be time for a change or a reboot.
Table: God of War Franchise Sales
| Game | Release Year | Platform(s) | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | 2005 | PS2 | 4.2 million |
| God of War II (2007) | 2007 | PS2 | 3.2 million |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | 2008 | PSP | 2.5 million |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) | 2010 | PSP | 2.1 million |
| God of War III (2010) | 2010 | PS3 | 5.2 million |
| God of War: Origins Collection (2011) | 2011 | PS3 | 2.5 million |
| God of War: Ascension (2013) | 2013 | PS3 | 4.1 million |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | PS4 | 10.2 million |
| God of War: Ragnarök (2022) | 2022 | PS4, PS5 | TBA |
FAQs
Q: Will Ragnarök be the last God of War game?
A: While it’s unclear, there are several factors that suggest it may be the last chapter in Kratos’ story.
Q: Will the franchise continue without Kratos?
A: The franchise’s director, Eric Williams, has stated that the team is exploring new directions for the franchise, including potentially moving away from Kratos as the main character.
Q: Will the game’s story conclude with a sense of closure for Kratos?
A: The game’s director, Cory Barlog, has hinted that Ragnarök may be the last chapter in Kratos’ story, stating that the character has "come full circle" and that the game will be a "culmination of everything we’ve been building towards."
Q: Will the franchise’s popularity decline if Ragnarök is the last game?
A: The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and franchises that were once dominant may no longer be as popular. If the franchise’s popularity begins to decline, it may be time for a change or a reboot.
Q: Will the game’s combat and exploration be more aggressive than its predecessor?
A: Yes, the game’s director, Cory Barlog, has stated that Ragnarök will be a "more aggressive" game than its predecessor, with a greater focus on combat and exploration.
Q: Will the game’s story be based on Norse mythology?
A: Yes, the game’s story will be set in the world of Norse mythology, where Kratos and Atreus will face the events of the prophecy.
Q: Will the game be a single-player only experience?
A: Yes, the game will be a single-player only experience, with a focus on storytelling and exploration.
Q: Will the game have a multiplayer component?
A: No, the game will not have a multiplayer component, focusing instead on a single-player experience.
Conclusion
God of War: Ragnarök is set to release in 2022, and while it’s unclear whether it will be the last God of War game, there are several factors that suggest it may be the last chapter in Kratos’ story. The game’s director, Cory Barlog, has hinted that the game will be a "culmination of everything we’ve been building towards," and the franchise’s popularity may be on the decline. However, the franchise’s director, Eric Williams, has stated that the team is exploring new directions for the franchise, including potentially moving away from Kratos as the main character. Only time will tell what the future holds for the God of War franchise.