Santa Monica Studio
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Sony 'Hopes' to Launch PS5's God of War Laufey in the First Half of 2027
Sony'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 2027
A 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 Faye
Santa 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 Fest
According 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 GoW
Santa 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 Gameplay
Director 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 butchered
Ariel 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 Gamers
Sony'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 time
Game 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 Faye
The 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 Cube
Ariel 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 – Report
A 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.
PlayStation Promises 'Many More Stories to Tell' With Kratos in Future, After God of War Laufey
Santa Monica Studio has indicated that Kratos will continue to be a central figure in the God of War franchise, following the announcement of a new chapter titled God of War Laufey, which will focus on Faye. The studio promises that there are many more stories to tell with the character.
Why God Of War Laufey having a female hero means so much to me
The article discusses the mixed reactions to God of War Laufey featuring a new female protagonist, Faye. The author argues that this change is a positive step for representation in gaming, highlighting Faye's established strength in the lore and the industry's progress towards more diverse characters. Despite some backlash, the author expresses excitement for the game and its potential.
God of War Laufey Is Much Closer to Releasing on PS5 Than You Think
Despite initial rumors suggesting a 2027 release, journalist Jason Schreier indicated that God of War Laufey is not years away from launching on PlayStation 5. Santa Monica Studio's gameplay reveal suggests the game is nearing completion, with a potential release around a year from now, possibly aligning with a strong 2027 lineup for Sony.
Sony reassures fans that Kratos isn’t going anywhere
Sony Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that Kratos will remain a central character in the God of War franchise, despite the announcement of a new game, God of War Laufey, focusing on Faye. The new title explores the 'Everywhen,' an afterlife realm, and will feature Faye's unique combat abilities. God of War Laufey is in development for PlayStation 5.
'One of the Best Showcases I've Seen': 70% of PS5 Fans Loved State of Play
A recent State of Play showcase received a positive reception from 70% of PlayStation 5 fans, according to a poll of over 6,500 voters. While leaks may have diminished the impact of some reveals, specific games like God of War Laufey and Marvel's Wolverine were highlighted as strong points. Despite the overall positive sentiment, some readers expressed concerns about the lack of news from Naughty Dog and the perceived 'MCU-era Marvel' feel of certain presentations.
It’s unlikely that God of War: Laufey will come to PC, at least anytime soon
It is unlikely that God of War: Laufey will be released on PC in the near future, with reports suggesting Sony is scaling back PC ports. Historically, God of War titles have taken around two years or more to arrive on PC after their console launch. Players interested in the game may need to consider purchasing a PlayStation console.
Dominos Pizza UK has joined the gamer culture slapfight over God of War: Laufey, and I'd really like to just skip…
Domino's Pizza UK engaged in a social media dispute with Santa Monica Studio regarding the upcoming game God of War: Laufey, which will not feature Kratos as the main protagonist. The article discusses the ensuing online debate, criticizing the culture war surrounding the game's female lead and advocating for a more positive reception of narrative diversity in gaming.
