Santa Monica Studio
Santa Monica Studio business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
God of War Live-Action Adaptation to Recast Kratos After Actor Suffers Major Injury
Amazon's live-action God of War series is facing production delays and a recast of Kratos due to a major injury sustained by lead actor Ryan Hurst. Hurst suffered a torn bicep during a stunt, requiring surgery and an estimated 4-6 month recovery, pushing his return to filming potentially into 2027. The production is currently on hiatus as a replacement actor is sought, though other cast members remain unchanged.
GameStop CEO Says Physical Games Media “is Totally, Totally Irrelevant”
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical game media is "totally, totally irrelevant" to the company's business model, shifting focus to trading card games. This comes as Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028, a move analysts believe is permanent despite backlash. Experts suggest Sony will not reverse the decision due to the profitability of digital sales.
God of War Laufey will have a physical disc on release
Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will include a physical disc, potentially marking the last physical release for the series due to Sony's planned phase-out of disc production by January 2028. This announcement follows similar confirmations for Grand Theft Auto VI and Marvel's Wolverine, and comes after Sony revealed its intention to cease disc manufacturing entirely, citing a shift towards digital sales. Other studios like Halo Studios are also ensuring disc options for their upcoming titles, though some may still require day-one downloads.
God Of War Laufey Will Be On A Disc, And That Tells Us When It Could Launch By
Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War Laufey will be released on disc, leading to speculation about its launch date before Sony phases out physical media in January 2028. Reporter Jason Schreier previously indicated a February or March 2027 release target for the game, which focuses on Faye's story. The article also touches on Sony's business decision to abandon physical discs and mentions Marvel's Wolverine will also be on disc for PlayStation 5.
EU can't stop Sony going digital-only as God Of War Laufey confirmed for 2027
An EU commissioner stated that the European Union cannot prevent Sony from phasing out physical game discs by 2028, provided consumer rights are protected. Despite industry backlash and petitions, Sony is proceeding with its digital-only strategy, with the PlayStation 6 likely built around this shift. However, Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will receive a physical release in 2027, making it one of the last first-party disc-based PlayStation 5 games.
God of War Laufey studio hints at 2027 release window following tweet that assures players it "will be available on disc"
Santa Monica Studio has indicated that God of War Laufey will be available on disc before Sony halts physical media production in January 2028, suggesting a release window within 2027. The studio also confirmed a panel at San Diego Comic-Con featuring game director Ariel Lawrence and Cory Barlog. The game is in development exclusively for PlayStation 5 and will not receive a PC port.
With PS3 and Vita digital stores closing, I've unearthed the best physical games to add to your collection before…
Sony is closing the digital storefronts for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita on August 9, 2024, impacting the availability of digital-only games and DLC. This closure is expected to increase the value and scarcity of physical game releases for these platforms. The article highlights several key physical titles across PS3, PS Vita, and PS2 that players should consider acquiring before prices potentially rise significantly.
God of War Laufey Will Have a Physical Disc Release, Confirms Santa Monica Studio
Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War Laufey will receive a physical disc release on PlayStation 5, suggesting a potential 2027 launch. This announcement comes amidst broader industry trends away from physical media and follows speculation about the game's release window.
God of War Laufey set for 2027 launch as disc version confirmed
Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will launch in 2027 and will be available on disc, indicating a release before January 2028. The game branches off from the 2018 God of War, following Kratos's deceased wife Faye as she awakens in the Everywhen, an afterlife realm for gods. She encounters various deities and gains a sword to help her escape captivity and rediscover her powers.
God Of War: Laufey Will Launch Before January 2028, Confirms Santa Monica
Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War: Laufey will be released before January 2028, with a likely launch early next year. The game is expected to be available on disc before Sony ceases disc production in 2028.
God of War Laufey Physical Disc Release Confirmed, Suggesting 2027 Launch
Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will be available on a physical disc, indicating a potential launch in 2027. This announcement suggests a traditional retail release for the upcoming title.
'If not PS6, then PS7' — Analyst says PlayStation ending physical discs was bound to happen as 'the console ecosystem is nearly entirely digital at this point'
Analyst Daniel Ahmad believes Sony's decision to end physical PlayStation disc production in 2028 was inevitable due to the significant shift towards digital sales, which now account for around 80% on PlayStation and over 90% on Xbox. This move aligns with Sony's strategy to create a high-margin, closed digital ecosystem, controlling all software sales and eliminating the used game market.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Marvel’s Wolverine, God of War Laufey Panels Announced for Comic-Con
Sony will host panels at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 for three upcoming games: Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Marvel's Wolverine, and God of War Laufey. The panels will reveal new details, behind-the-scenes looks, and potentially new trailers for the PlayStation 5 exclusive titles. Marvel's Wolverine is set to release on September 15th, while Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will launch on August 6th for PC and PlayStation 5.
This Week In Games Was Bad, But Next Week May Be Worse
The 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 development
A 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 – Rumor
According 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 years
Actress 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 2018
Deborah 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 All
Santa 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.