The Real Reason God Of War: Ragnarok Is Ending The Story After Only 2 Games
"God of War" fans got the bad news that "God of War: Ragnarok" would be delayed until 2022, but that hasn't stopped them from getting excited over the new title, which continues Kratos' journey into Norse mythology. Though many would love the arc to continue forever, developers recently revealed that "Ragnarok" would be the last installment in the "God of War" Norse storyline.
It's true that the events of 2018's "God of War" built up to the inevitable Norse apocalypse, Ragnarok, but many fans hoped that the world-breaking event didn't spell the end for Kratos and his boy. Yet something dark seems to be brewing in "Ragnarok," partially because of Atreus' acceptance of his true identity. Gamers have pored over one small detail in the "God of War: Ragnarok" trailer, searching for clues of what Atreus may become in the upcoming title. Now, the director of "Ragnarok," Eric Williams, and the director of "God of War," Cory Barlog have spoken out about the end of the current "God of War" storyline, and what lies ahead for the franchise.
In an interview with "God of War" YouTuber Kaptain Kuba, Williams and Barlog celebrated "Ragnarok" and discussed its development process. When Kaptain Kuba asked the duo why the team decided to end this arc of "God of War" after two games, Williams had the perfect answer. It turns out it was all Barlog's fault.
The story is finished
A bit put on the spot, Barlog then explained that there were a few reasons for ending the arc at two games, but one of the most important reasons was that it would simply take too long. Barlog noted that it took about five years to complete "God of War," and that it will likely take about the same amount of time to develop "Ragnarok." Asking players to stick around for 15 years to get answers just didn't seem feasible. Besides, the story doesn't need that much space.
"Most of what we were trying to do from the beginning was to tell something about Kratos and Atreus," Barlog explained. "... and the complexity radiates out, like ripples in a pond. And we could make it an ocean, and have those ripples go for thousands of miles. But is that necessary and is that beneficial?" In other words, the "God of War" Norse arc didn't need to extend beyond "Ragnarok" because it can be concluded well in the upcoming game, leaving the franchise open for more adventures in the future.
Barlog also said that he wanted players to have a condensed experience that they could return to throughout the years. He compared it to his own feelings about the "Lord of the Rings" extended editions and indicated that players could return to the duology for a tight, impactful narrative experience in the future.
"God of War: Ragnarok" will release in 2022, giving fans some time to ponder the Norse story arc before it ends.