Sony Santa Monica
Sony Santa Monica business and news from across the web.
Sony Santa Monica confirms "God of War Laufey will be available on disc" despite PlayStation's war on…Sony Santa Monica has confirmed that God of War Laufey will be released on physical disc, a significant detail given PlayStation's ongoing shift away from physical media and the trend of digital-only releases. This news is particularly relevant for collectors and suggests the game will launch on PlayStation 5 before the anticipated digital-only PlayStation 6.
Gather Your Blades for August 11 as Swordcery Enters Early AccessSwordcery, a hack-and-slash roguelite ARPG from indie developer Temple Door Games, will launch in Early Access on August 11th. Founded by two cinematic artists who worked on God of War, the game features unique "Spellbound Blades" with distinct abilities and procedurally generated dungeons. Players will take on the role of Colt, wielding various swords to combat a corruption plaguing the world of Armorial.
God of War Laufey is not a new idea, nor is the talking jelly cube - Cory Barlog was apparently discussing it back in 2018Actress Deborah Ann Woll revealed that the concept for the standalone game God of War Laufey, starring Kratos' wife Faye, was pitched by Cory Barlog back in 2018. Woll, who reprises her role as Faye and also voices the character Phranque, has known about the project for nearly a decade. God of War Laufey is in development exclusively for PlayStation 5, with a potential 2027 release target.
God Of War Has Been Building Toward Laufey For Almost A DecadeActress Deborah Ann Woll revealed that she has been involved with the God of War franchise, specifically the upcoming 'God of War Laufey,' for nearly a decade. Director Cory Barlog pitched the concept to her around 2018, even having early ideas for Faye's companion, a talking cube. Woll also noted that previous games in the series had been subtly hinting at this narrative direction.
God of War Laufey proves women are still gaining ground in gaming, and I'm thrilled Kratos is sitting this one outThe upcoming God of War game, God of War Laufey, will feature Kratos' late wife, Laufey, as the protagonist, a significant shift that challenges traditional gender roles in gaming. Despite some backlash, the article argues that featuring female leads like Laufey, Ellie, and Lara Croft is a positive and growing trend in the industry, with players increasingly embracing diverse stories.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword brings God of War's blockbuster action to horror-tinged feudal JapanOnimusha: Way of the Sword offers a blend of action-adventure gameplay reminiscent of God of War, set in a horror-tinged feudal Japan. The demo showcases a larger, more immersive world with new NPCs and explorable streets, featuring combat that balances fluid swordplay with challenging boss encounters. The game is set to release on September 25, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.- God of War Laufey's Faye allowed Sony Santa Monica to merge the series' old and new eras: "Can I have…God of War Laufey director Ariel Lawrence explains how the new protagonist Faye allows for a blend of the series' classic aerial combat and the newer, more grounded fighting style. This fusion aims to bridge the gap between the original trilogy and the recent Norse saga entries, offering both agility and visceral close-quarters combat.
"There's nothing worse than an AI-generated pitch": Bloober, Jagex, 11 bit and indie devs on the bruising hurdle of funding a videogame prototypeIndependent game developers face significant hurdles in securing funding for prototypes, with many publishers requiring playable builds before committing to a project. Companies like Bloober Team, Jagex, and 11 bit studios acknowledge the necessity of prototypes but express concerns about the increasing reliance on generative AI for their creation. While AI tools can boost productivity, publishers are wary of AI-generated pitches, as they offer less proof of a team's genuine capabilities and artistic vision, leading to a more risk-averse industry.
Summer Game Fest 2026: Every Big Announcement Ranked and ExplainedSummer Game Fest 2026 showcased a wide array of upcoming video game titles, with notable announcements including the third Final Fantasy VII installment, a remake of Resident Evil Code: Veronica, and the long-awaited sequel to The Wolf Among Us. The event highlighted the increasing saturation of the game market and featured titles aiming for distinct identities to stand out.
God of War Laufey director says getting The Boys star Jack Quaid in his viral cube rig was "not super required, but…God of War Laufey director Ariel Lawrence clarified that the elaborate PVC motion capture rig used for actor Jack Quaid in promotional material was not essential for his character's animation. While the rig was fun and added to the authenticity of the production, only minimal motion capture data was used for blocking and directional purposes on set.
God Of War Laufey’s Combat Was Inspired By The Original Greek TrilogyGod of War Laufey director Ariel Lawrence revealed that Faye's combat style in the upcoming game was inspired by Kratos's more acrobatic fighting from the original Greek trilogy. While Kratos will feature in future stories, Faye takes the lead in this installment, accompanied by new characters. The game is set for release on PlayStation 5, though a specific date has not yet been announced.
God of War Laufey director says Marvel humor won't infect the series through the big, silly cube: "He's…Ariel Lawrence, director for the upcoming God of War Laufey, addressed concerns that the new companion character Phranque might introduce unwelcome humor akin to Marvel films. Lawrence clarified that Phranque's earnestness is integral to his character and that his role is to help Faye understand the world's current state, not to be a comedic relief. The developers aim to treat Phranque as a serious companion, similar to how levity was handled with characters like the Huldra brothers in previous God of War titles.
God of War Laufey is "every bit as God of War as all of the things that we've done," director Ariel Lawrence says: "I hope to win over the skeptics in the future"Director Ariel Lawrence states that God of War Laufey, which stars Faye, is as much a God of War game as previous entries, focusing on intimate stories within an epic mythological world. While the game can be enjoyed standalone, playing God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök is recommended for full appreciation of the narrative and world.
God of War Laufey – 15 Big Details You Shouldn’t MissSony Santa Monica has revealed new gameplay details for God of War: Laufey, a PlayStation 5 exclusive that continues the story after Faye's death. The game introduces new combat mechanics, including jumping and more agile fighting styles for the protagonist, Laufey. It also features new companions and challenging enemies, with stunning visuals and facial animations.
Sony's Cory Barlog compares God of War Laufey's gods to billionaires: "They're all a**holes"Sony Santa Monica's head of creative, Cory Barlog, described the gods in the upcoming game God of War Laufey as "assholes," comparing them to billionaires who are prone to conflict. He suggests that the game's setting, the Everywhen, is an afterlife filled with bitter deities. While God of War Laufey can be played standalone, playing the previous God of War titles is recommended for a fuller appreciation of the world.- Kratos will return in future games, God of War developer assures fans following the Laufey revealSony Santa Monica has confirmed that Kratos will continue to be featured in future God of War games, despite the upcoming title God of War Laufey focusing on Faye. Director Cory Barlog and other studio members have assured fans that Kratos remains central to the series' narrative tapestry. While God of War Laufey will explore Faye's journey into the afterlife, the studio has many more stories planned for the iconic protagonist.
There's more to God of War Laufey's cube than your small brain can possibly understand: This is the best…A theory suggests that the cube character, Phranque, in God of War Laufey is a manifestation of Metatron's Cube from sacred geometry. This cube is believed to represent the patterns of creation and can be used for healing and spiritual progression, potentially aiding Laufey in the chaotic afterlife realm of Everywhen. The article speculates on Phranque's role as a protector and companion.
God of War Laufey star Deborah Ann Woll says "Kratos gameplay is so fantastic because he's such a heavy hitter," but new protagonist Faye is "just as strong and just as good a warrior"Deborah Ann Woll, voice of Faye in the upcoming God of War Laufey, compares the new protagonist's agile combat style to Kratos's heavy-hitting approach. Director Ariel Lawrence explains that Faye's gameplay draws inspiration from both the Greek and Norse eras of the series, aiming for a unique yet familiar Santa Monica Studio feel. While not years away, a PC release for God of War Laufey is not expected.
They did motion capture on a cubeSony revealed God of War Laufey, a spinoff where Kratos's wife Faye endures a divine afterlife. The game features groundbreaking motion capture technology where actor Jack Quaid, portraying a sentient cube named Phranque, was physically embodied in a cubic armature. While the game's release date and platforms are unconfirmed, it is unlikely to come to PC.
There Will Be More Kratos Stories, Sony Promises, After God Of War: Laufey RevealSony announced God of War: Laufey, a new installment focusing on the character Laufey, Kratos's wife and Atreus's mother. Developers stated that while Kratos stories will continue, this game offers an expansion by exploring Laufey's pivotal role and her journey in the Everywhen. The game is set to release on PlayStation 5, with Deborah Ann Woll voicing Laufey and Jack Quaid as Phranque.