By Sagar V. Mankar Sony’s Santa Monica Studio, best known for the God of War franchise, is reportedly working on a new IP.
This marks a significant shift for the studio, which has focused on the God of War series for over two decades.
Speculation about a new IP began when a user on the gaming forum ResetEra discovered a LinkedIn profile update for Glauco Longhi.
Longhi, a talented character artist who has worked with Santa Monica Studio in the past, recently returned to the studio. His profile mentions that he is now the Character Supervisor for an “unannounced project.”
In the About section of his profile, he states,
“Santa Monica Studios presented the opportunity of coming back as Character Supervisor, looking after the entire Character Development pipeline, on their new IP, so here I am, thrilled to be back, working again with the crew and pushing Characters in video games together.”
Earlier this year, Santa Monica Studio posted a series of job listings that hinted at their future plans. These listings revealed that the studio is preparing for a new IP while continuing its work on the God of War franchise.
Some job descriptions specifically sought candidates familiar with the combat systems and mechanics of the recent God of War games. This suggests the studio may be developing two projects simultaneously, maintaining its commitment to God of War while exploring new creative ventures.
The Studio’s Legacy and Future
For over two decades, Santa Monica Studio has been synonymous with the God of War franchise.
Since the series debut in 2005, the studio has consistently delivered high-quality, narrative-driven experiences that have pushed the boundaries of action-adventure gaming.
Their latest work on God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022) has further cemented their reputation as masters of the craft.
However, it’s worth noting that the studio started its journey with Kinetica, a futuristic racing game for the PlayStation 2, in 2001. The game’s unique approach to racing, with its emphasis on acrobatics and futuristic design, was well-received and gained cult status. This often-overlooked fact reminds us that Santa Monica Studio has the potential to create diverse gaming experiences.
Despite the rumors of a new IP, God of War fans can rest assured that the beloved series is not being abandoned.
The studio appears to have organized separate teams to handle both projects, ensuring they can continue to deliver the epic adventures that fans expect from God of War.
For more information, visit the official Santa Monica Studio website. And remember to subscribe to Gaming Foodle for more news!