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- Sony cancelled God of War’s live-service project, focusing on a complete, story-driven experience.
- Sony cancelled or postponed several live-service projects, including Bend Studio’s, and expects no layoffs.
- A new Greek spin-off of God of War will possibly be released this year, bridging the gap between God of War 3 and the 2018 Norse entry.
Sony created God of War as a single-player adventure, and it has become a highly praised game known for its exciting battles and deep characters. It tells a compelling story with impressive graphics and gameplay that immerses players in its world. However, not long ago, discussions emerged about turning God of War into a live service game.
Many developers use the live service model to keep players engaged and returning. In this model, developers update games with new content, events, and rewards. However, God of War is a story-driven game rather than a game that requires constant updates and events.
Many fans have become frustrated by the trend of turning classic games into live-service models. They worry that such a shift would compromise the game’s simple and pure original experience.
The Spark: A Report And A Failure
Renowned journalist Jason Schreier confirmed on the Bluesky platform that Sony had long planned to turn God of War into a live-service game. Bluepoint Games was reportedly working on the project.
Although Sony canceled the project, the idea of turning God of War into a live-service game highlights the company’s ongoing push for the live-service model. This strategy has already caused several project cancellations. Following major failures like Concord, the move raised serious concerns among fans.
One reason Sony prefers live-service games is their potential profitability. Live service games can undoubtedly thrive, but only if executed correctly by prioritizing player experience rather than profit. Many companies have adopted this model, but not all games have thrived.
Several live-service games have been canceled. For example, the Last of Us multiplayer project was canceled because it lacked the resources and structure needed to sustain a live-service title. On the other hand, games like Helldivers 2 show that live-service games can thrive when built on a solid concept.
The cancellation of Sony’s God of War live service project also affected its first-party studios. But the cancellation ensured the series stayed a well-crafted, fully realized experience, avoiding the pitfalls of the live-service model. God of War has always delivered a complete story, unlike live-service games that rely on frequent updates.
What’s Next For God Of War?
A few years ago, Sony had several live-service projects in development, but that number declined significantly by the end of 2023. Moreover, Sony’s other live-service project, Fairgame$, has also been postponed until 2026. Bloomberg also confirmed that Bend Studio had been working on a live-service game for an extended period, but it, too, was canceled.
Sony has assured that there will be no layoffs due to these cancellations. A Sony spokesperson stated, “Bend and Bluepoint are important studios for PlayStation. We are working with them to decide their next projects.” This decision indicates that Sony is learning from past mistakes.
With the live-service project canceled, the question remains: What’s next for God of War? Sony or Santa Monica Studio, the team behind the franchise, has no clear plans. Santa Monica Studio released a free DLC expansion for God of War Ragnarok. This surprise gift delighted fans and reaffirmed the studio’s commitment to delivering great experiences.
Insider Jeff Grubb reports that God of War will receive a Greek spin-off this year. This project will not be a remaster of the original trilogy but rather a smaller-scale side story that explores the franchise’s Greek era. It could fill the gap between God of War 3 and the 2018 Norse entry. Fans are excited about the return to Greece.
Nowadays, the gaming community often criticizes live service games for being shallow and repetitive. As the industry evolves, there is a growing realization that quality should take precedence over quantity. Fans want a well-told story, not a game that constantly changes and loses its identity.
While the future of God of War remains uncertain, with the cancellation of the live-service project, fans remain hopeful. The upcoming Greek spin-off suggests that Santa Monica Studio is continuing to give the franchise the same attention to detail and quality that fans have come to expect.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
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