When God of War releases on PS4 next year, it will represent a significant departure from the other games in the series. Not only does the game introduce a Norse setting, ditching its Greek mythology roots, but the new adventure also sees Kratos teaming up with his son.

As the game shakes the series up so much, it wouldn't make sense for developer Sony Santa Monica to just throw that all away after one title. So it comes as no surprise that God of War game director Cory Barlog now explains that "with this game, I think people know that we’re going to be here for a while."

Barlog also reveals that "when I chose this story, I had chosen it because I already outlined and mapped out stories for multiple games," adding that "I have an arc in my head that goes well beyond this game and everything that we are doing in God of War, to me, is very much building towards that."

In the same interview, Barlog also spoke about God of War's new axe weapon, hinting that the item has incredible importance in the game. Moreover, the developer explained that Atreus isn't just along for the ride, as Kratos' son knows multiple languages and is able to help his father understand what other characters are saying as well as reading the (literal) writing on the wall. So although Barlog admits that he is "just trying to get this game done," the news that there could be much more in store for Kratos and that fans could see more of the new weapon and the father/son relationship, is good news.

In addition to keeping these features, though, there are a lot of other areas that Sony Santa Monica could build upon with future God of War games. For example, the new God of War is not open-world, although it does provide players with a bit more freedom. If the developer was still able to tell an impactful story and offer epic battles even within a much larger, open world, then that would be a massive step for the series.

Having previously described the development of God of War as an 'emotional meat grinder,' Barlog will just be hoping that any future work is a little less stressful for the team. To make things easier, the developer may well take a bit longer to produce a follow up, but at least fans now know that a follow up is very much on the cards.

God of War launches exclusively for the PlayStation 4 in early 2018.

Source: Daily Star