Sony is clearly far from finished with the God of War franchise, as several exciting projects are currently in development. These range from a highly anticipated TV show for Prime Video to a heavily rumored 2D metroidvania game that aims to return to the roots of Greece, drawing inspiration from acclaimed titles like Blasphemous. While this robust slate has many fans eager, it's important to note that another project in the saga was recently scrapped.
A report earlier this year revealed that PlayStation decided to cut two live-service projects from its first-party studios. Among these was an unannounced game from Bend Studio, which we provided an early look at last year, and a multiplayer God of War game being developed by Bluepoint Games. This cancellation surprised many, as details about the project were limited, other than the fact that it was intended to be a multiplayer experience set within the God of War universe.
Fortunately, we recently gained access to development screenshots that offer an intriguing glimpse into the game’s planned environment. The visuals clearly indicate a return to a Greek setting, featuring iconic elements such as ancient temples and classic artifacts like pottery. This rich aesthetic draws from the series’ history and suggests a strong connection to its Greek mythology roots.
In addition to the temple exteriors, the screenshots showcase various environments designed to support multiple players. For example, we see an armory filled with weapons and shields, which hints at engaging multiplayer gameplay. Another notable inclusion for lore enthusiasts is the apparent mention of the god Hades. We learned that Hades was intended to be the owner of the armory, alongside yellow sulfur pools located in the caverns.
If this game was meant to fit within the established canon, the presence of a living Hades suggests a timeline that predates the events of God of War III. However, there’s also the possibility that it could exist outside the main storyline, allowing for creative freedom beyond the core God of War continuity.
The architecture in the screenshots reveals a strong Greek influence, with some environments resembling locations from God of War (2018) and Ragnarok. One striking image features a female statue holding a mask, reminiscent of statues from the original God of War games. Additionally, we see statues that could represent soldiers holding shields and spears, evoking the image of Spartans, or even the Einherjar, the Norse warriors from God of War Ragnarok.
The early concept art also includes weapons that exhibit a green hue, similar to those used by the Berserkers and other foes encountered in God of War (2018) and Ragnarok. The screenshots depict Hades’ Armory in various states, one of which appears to be afflicted by a “curse,” potentially introducing negative status effects for players within.
Ultimately, PlayStation decided to cancel this multiplayer project, likely due to concerns about its long-term viability in the competitive market of live-service games. This decision is particularly understandable given the mixed reception of similar proposals, such as Concord.
In the wake of this cancellation, it has been reported that Bluepoint Games has shifted its focus to another project, described as a third-person melee action game, according to recent job listings. While the specifics of this new title remain unclear, many fans are hopeful for a remake of the original God of War, a project that has garnered significant interest over the years.
Given Bluepoint's impressive track record with remakes, including Shadow of the Colossus and Demon’s Souls, a remake of the original God of War would undoubtedly be a promising venture. Moreover, since the studio has already been exploring a Greek setting, they could leverage the assets and development work previously undertaken for this multiplayer project to enhance the remake.
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