Santa Monica Studio
Santa Monica Studio business and news from across the web.
This Week In Games Was Bad, But Next Week May Be WorseThe gaming industry experienced a particularly bleak week with multiple significant layoffs, studio closures, and price increases. Microsoft's Xbox division saw widespread job cuts, while Sony announced plans to end physical disc production for PlayStation games by 2028. These events, coupled with delays and the ongoing impact of AI discussions, paint a grim picture for the industry's immediate future.
Releasing The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 faster risks "disappointing fans," Bethesda veteran says following reports that Microsoft wants to speed up developmentA former Bethesda developer, Bruce Nesmith, suggests that rushing the development of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 could lead to fan fatigue. He emphasizes the balance between resources, time, and quality in game development, noting that excessively long or short development cycles can be detrimental. Nesmith believes a sweet spot of around three to five years between major releases is ideal for meeting fan expectations without burnout.
God of War Laufey Could Launch in February or March 2027 – RumorAccording to a rumor from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, God of War Laufey might be announced for a February or March 2027 release. This potential release window comes amidst speculation that other games are being delayed to early 2027, potentially creating a crowded launch period. Neither PlayStation nor Santa Monica Studio has officially confirmed a release date for the game.
God Of War Laufey was planned a decade ago and actress kept it secret for yearsActress Deborah Ann Woll revealed that the concept for God of War Laufey, a game focusing on Kratos's late wife, was pitched to her by Santa Monica Studio's Cory Barlog in 2018. While the game was announced during a recent State of Play, Woll had been keeping the project secret for nearly a decade. The franchise is expected to continue exploring Kratos's story alongside this new direction.
God of War Laufey star Deborah Ann Woll has known about the game for "nearly 10 years," and Jack Quaid's cube has "been there since the beginning": "It's deeply a part of the lore"Actress Deborah Ann Woll revealed that the upcoming game God of War Laufey has been in development for nearly a decade, with plans predating the 2018 God of War. Woll, who voices Faye, stated that the concept, including a specific cube prop, was present when she was brought in for discussions about God of War Ragnarök. She expressed excitement about expanding the God of War universe with this new direction.
God of War Laufey Part of PS5 Dev's Plans from the Start, Pitched in 2018Deborah Ann Woll, the voice actor for Faye in God of War, revealed that the concept for God of War Laufey has been in development at Santa Monica Studio for nearly a decade, with initial pitches made in 2018. This suggests a long-term plan for a trilogy, expanding on the lore established in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok. While a release date is unconfirmed, the game is heavily promoted by Sony and is anticipated for PlayStation 5.
God of War Laufey Pitched to Lead Actor in 2018, Cosmic Cube and AllSanta Monica Studio's upcoming game, God of War Laufey, was in the planning stages as early as 2018, according to actor Deborah Ann Woll. She revealed that director Cory Barlog pitched the concept to her then, featuring a cosmic cube central to the lore. The game is allegedly targeting a PlayStation 5 release in the first half of 2027.
Sony 'Hopes' to Launch PS5's God of War Laufey in the First Half of 2027Sony's Santa Monica Studio is reportedly targeting a first-half 2027 release for God of War Laufey, though plans could change. The game was initially rumored to be a PlayStation 5 title, but there's speculation it might become a cross-gen release for the PlayStation 6.
God of War Laufey reportedly launches in first half of 2027A new rumor suggests that God of War Laufey, which shifts focus to Kratos's wife Faye, is targeting a release in the first half of 2027. The game, developed by Santa Monica Studio, will feature Faye's unique combat style and blend Norse mythology with other traditions. While Sony has not provided an official release window, insider reports align with this rumored timeframe.- God of War Laufey Director Says Fusion of “Old and New” Combat Systems is Possible Because of FayeSanta Monica Studio director Ariel Lawrence discussed the potential for God of War Laufey to fuse the classic pick-up-and-play combat of the original trilogy with the more grounded, visceral style of God of War (2018) and Ragnarok. The new protagonist, Faye, is seen as the ideal character to embody this blend of old and new combat systems. The game is allegedly launching in the first half of 2027 exclusively for PlayStation 5.
PS5's God of War Laufey Dominated Summer Game FestAccording to analytics firm Level Up, God of War Laufey was the most engaging title during Summer Game Fest, which encompassed various showcases including State of Play and Nintendo Direct. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and Resident Evil Veronica followed, with eight of the top ten games slated for a PlayStation 5 launch.
Creator Inisists Laufey Will not Backseat Kratos in GoWSanta Monica Studio's upcoming game, God of War: Laufey, will focus on the Frost giantess Laufey the Just, rather than Kratos. This shift has caused some fan controversy, but Cory Barlog, former director, assured fans that Kratos will still be featured in future God of War titles. The new game is being helmed by Ariel Lawrence, who has experience with the franchise's Greek saga.
God of War Laufey Director Says Phranque and Rue Are Important for Story and GameplayDirector Ariel Lawrence discussed the inclusion of characters Phranque and Rue in God of War Laufey, stating they are crucial for both story and gameplay mechanics like combat, traversal, and puzzles. Lawrence revealed that Phranque, a cosmic jelly cube, was an early concept by Cory Barlog and a significant element for the Santa Monica Studio team. The game is in development exclusively for PlayStation 5, with rumors suggesting a release sooner rather than later.
God of War Laufey director says there's "definitely" some "long-term potential" in bumping into the many gods that Kratos has butcheredAriel Lawrence, director of God of War Laufey, discussed the potential for future games to feature characters who were previously killed by Kratos. She stated that the franchise has long-term potential to explore the consequences of Kratos' actions and the fate of the gods he has slain. Lawrence emphasized that any such encounters would need to be well-integrated into the narrative.
PlayStation State of Play June 2026: What Actually Matters to Adult GamersSony's June 2026 State of Play showcased numerous upcoming games for the PlayStation 5, with a focus on titles relevant to adult gamers. Highlights include Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine, Moon Studios' No Rest for the Wicked, and Santa Monica Studio's God of War Laufey. The event also featured new looks at Stuntman: Hollywood, Dune: Awakening, and a packed release schedule for Fall 2026, culminating in the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI.
What Ugly Truth Will God Of War Laufey’s Faye See Reflected In Her Sword?This analysis explores how the new sword in God of War Laufey will serve as a thematic mirror for the protagonist Faye, similar to how Kratos' weapons reflected his past. The article suggests Faye's sword symbolizes her past as a schemer and her struggle to come to terms with the consequences of her actions and secrets.
God of War's Cory Barlog has been planning Faye's story for a decade, says Laufey director, and her actor has "had to keep this under wraps" the whole timeGame director Ariel Lawrence revealed that Cory Barlog has been planning Faye's story for the upcoming God of War Laufey for about a decade, even before the 2018 God of War reboot. Actress Deborah Ann Woll, who reprises her role as Faye, has reportedly kept this secret for many years. While God of War Laufey can be played standalone, playing the previous titles is recommended for full appreciation.
Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 543: State of FayeThe Official PlayStation Podcast episode 543 covers the latest State of Play, highlighting upcoming releases like Solarpunk, NBA The Run, and Beastro for PlayStation 5. The episode also features details on new PlayStation peripherals, an Ace Combat 8 hands-on report, and major announcements from the State of Play showcase, including Marvel's Wolverine and God of War Laufey. Special interviews with Cory Barlog and Ariel Lawrence from Santa Monica Studio are also included.
God Of War Laufey’s Director Talks Fan Skepticism, New Ideas, And Phranque The CubeAriel Lawrence, director of the upcoming God of War Laufey, discusses the game's focus on Faye, addressing fan skepticism about the shift from Kratos. Lawrence explains the studio's vision for exploring new narratives and characters within the God of War universe, emphasizing Faye's strength and unique combat style. The interview also touches on the introduction of new characters like Phranque and the concept of the 'Everywhen' setting.
Next Major PS5 Exclusive Game Will Release Sooner Than Expected – ReportA new report suggests that the PlayStation 5 exclusive God of War Laufey may release in 2027, sooner than previously anticipated. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier indicated the game is not 'years away,' and leaker NateTheHate previously suggested a first-half 2027 release window.