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Santa Monica Studio working on new God of War
Development of a new God of War game is underway at Sony's Santa Monica Studio, IGN reports. God of War 2 game director and Santa Monica Creative Director Cory Barlog confirmed the project during a Q&A session at a PlayStation Experience panel, and while details are sparse, Barlog stated that it will not be a prequel. Barlog told IGN that he's looking forward to sharing more on the game over "the next year or two," so it's possible we'll be waiting quite a while before slicing through mythical beasts once more with the Blades of Chaos. We were told that Barlog was working on something "freaking huge" when he returned to Santa Monica last year. We suppose Kratos' temper could match such a description. [Image: Sony]
Cory Barlog back at Sony Santa Monica, creating something 'huge'
Cory Barlog, who you may know as the BAFTA-winning writer and game director on God of War 2, has returned to Sony Santa Monica after leaving the studio in late 2007. In his half-announcement, half-industry travel diatribe on the PlayStation Blog, Barlog reveals he's already working on a secret project he can't talk about yet - something "freaking huge." "We're putting together a team as I type this, an Ocean's 11 kind of thing," he wrote on the PlayStation Blog. "We are searching the world high and low for the best of the BEST to come and be on the ground floor of this endeavor." Balrog joined Sony's Santa Monica Studios in 2003 as animation director on the original God of War. His most recent work involved directing cinematics on Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider reboot.
Mad Max not Barlog's rumored project, says Avalanche CEO
Though Mad Max has been a project spanning several years, going through several iterations in that time, Avalanche Studios CEO Christofer Sundberg claims it's not the game that was rumored in 2008. God of War 2 lead Cory Barlog had reportedly gone to Avalanche Studios in 2010 to work on a Mad Max game, tied to a new movie. "I don't know what [Barlog] worked on before he started working with us," Sundberg told Polygon, "but when we worked together he wasn't on Mad Max." Sundberg said the team has been in production on this Mad Max game for around 18 months, though it's been at Avalanche in some capacity for years now. "The game has gone through a series of iterations. We've been working for it for a couple years." Mad Max is due in 2014, for PS4, PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. We saw the open-world action game game at E3 and caught up with our old hillbilly pal, Chumbucket.
God of War 2 director Cory Barlog joins Crystal Dynamics
Cory Barlog, who served as writer and director for God of War 2, as well as "story creator" for Ghost of Sparta and creative director for Chains of Olympus, has joined Crystal Dynamics to work on its forthcoming Tomb Raider reboot and "a yet to be announced new title."Its unclear what this transition may mean for Barlog's Mad Max project, which was reportedly in production at Avalanche Studios. "I can't comment on our project, but all I can say is that the projects we've been working on for the last two years and the one we recently started up in NY are sailing along like never before," said Avalanche Studios founder Christofer Sundberg in a statement to Eurogamer.This either means that Mad Max is continuing without Barlog at Avalanche Studios, or that it was never there to begin with. Either way, we're looking forward to seeing what kind of vengeful, face-painting influence Barlog has on Lara Croft's future, and whether his presence at Crystal Dynamics could finally lead to Gex of War.
Report: Mad Max game at Avalanche Studios
God of War 2 director Cory Barlog is likely working on the Mad Max game (a supposed tie-in with the 2012 movie sequel) at Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios. Eurogamer reports Avalanche Studios' founder Christofer Sundberg told the site, "I can't comment on the projects we are working on, but Cory is working here with us in Stockholm." We've known Barlog had been working on a Mad Max game since 2008, with production reportedly still going on last year -- we just never knew exactly where he was making the game. The studio's Avalanche Engine would actually be fantastic for driving an enormous, lush Mad Max game -- well, if "lush" existed in the Mad Max vocabulary. The engine certainly proved its graphical power in Just Cause 2. Now, if Barlog could only help deliver a cohesive concept, instead of just an empty sandbox, that could be a truly beautiful thing.
Sony invites public to God of War documentary taping in Los Angeles
If you live in Los Angeles and love God of War, you're in luck. Sony is getting the directors of all of the God of War games so far -- that's David Jaffe, Cory Barlog, Stig Asmussen, Ru Weerasuiya and Dana Jan, for those of you keeping score -- together this Wednesday in the City of Angels to film a documentary extra for the upcoming Ghost of Sparta preorder bundle, and it's inviting the public to watch. Starting at 4:00 p.m. PDT on September 1, fans can arrive at the El Portal theater in North Hollywood, and the first 150 on the scene (which means you better show up early) will get seats to see the show. You can RSVP on the Facebook page (though it doesn't appear that you have to -- it's just first come, first served) and you must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent to enter. Sony's also promising "gifts and prizes for all in attendance," so if you make it in, you'll probably get to take something home, too. We mean besides the insight and wit of David Jaffe and company.
How God of War 3 could have ended
The God of War trilogy ended in the recent God of War 3 with Kratos [redacted]. But each God of War game before 3 (directed by Stig Asmussen) had a different director, and, as Asmussen told GamePro, each director had a different idea of how to end the saga of Angry Man Kratos. Series creator David Jaffe had stories in mind beyond Greek myth. "Basically, you destroy Greek mythology and then Norse mythology is right around the corner," Asmussen recounted. "That's the next thing that Kratos would go after. It becomes clear at the end that he's going to become this harbinger of death across different mythologies in the world and maybe carry the series on from there." God of War 2 director Cory Barlog's ending, according to Asmussen, would turn Kratos into Death. "He pretty much becomes the Grim Reaper at the end of the game and his blades become sickles." 1UP points out that Jaffe had issues with both claims. On Twitter, Jaffe said that the Norse mythology idea was more complicated than Asmussen made it sound. "There is an element of truth but it goes far beyond." Later, he
Mad Max game adaptation still 'a couple of years' away
If you've long harbored dreams of motoring monstrous automobiles down long stretches of highway in post-apocalyptic Australia, they probably won't be coming to fruition any time soon. Mad Max director George Miller, in an interview with MTV Multiplayer, confirmed that while preliminary work on a video game adaptation of his Gibson-infused vehicular thriller has begun, the finished title is still "a couple of years away." Miller, a self-professed unskilled gamer, says he sees real potential in making such an adaptation, and in the gaming medium as a whole. He sees the Mad Max game, which he's working on in collaboration with God of War II director Cory Barlog, as "an opportunity to make a novel," noting the evolution of storytelling in games in recent years. We appreciate rich stories in games as much as the next guy, but we hope Miller realizes he also has the "opportunity" to make a badass action game as well.
Cory Barlog penning a script for Sony
Did you know Cory Barlog has an awesome name? That's not actually what this post is about, but we spend hours wondering why the ex-God of War II director doesn't just go the whole hog and get those R and L letters swapped round. Anyway, in a recent interview with 1UP, Barlog reveals that he's working on a script for Sony. It's unclear what this script is for, whether it's for a game or some other project. A movie perhaps? Whatever it is, Barlog says that it'll be "something that everyone's fairly familiar with." A God of War movie script then, maybe? We know a movie is in development and who better to write the script than someone who has worked so closely with the franchise? It's all speculation at this point, but we're certainly intrigued to find out more. Hopefully soon.
Work on Mad Max continues, game still a ways off
It's been seven long months since we last heard an update on Cory Barlog's video game adaptation of Mad Max. Now Barlog, best known for his work on a little thing we like to call God of War II, has posted an update on the project to his blog, though whether or not he had to saw through his own foot to get to the keyboard remains something of a mystery. Barlog's work on the game's story with Mad Max film producer, George Miller, appears nearly done, the pair having "put the final touches on the Mad Max story and game design structure and mechanics." However, Barlog adds that they're "working with some publishers to get a deal locked down so we can start making this bad boy," so don't go expecting to hunt gangs across the dystopian Australian highways anytime soon.
Mega64 puppet Marcus interviews David Jaf ... er, Cory Barlog
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Mega64 has begun a six-part weekly series dubbed Marcus' Corner. All you need to know is in the first 30 seconds of the video. Following the stellar intro, Marcus interviews God of War II developer David Jaffe Cory Barlog. Here's a snippet. Barlog: "I used to work for Sony, but now I work for myself." Marcus: "You quit Sony? ... What other bad decisions have you made lately?" Video embedded after the break. Stay tuned for more next Friday.[Thanks, Willzay]
Cory Barlog working on 'Mad Max' game with George Miller
We were intrigued by yesterday's news that God of War II lead Cory Barlog would be working with George Miller, of Mad Max and soon-to-be Justice League flick fame. But even in our nerdiest fantasies we hadn't let our hearts dream of something this sweet: Barlog and Miller are toiling on a Mad Max action-adventure game, based on Mad Max: Fury Road, an entry in the film series put on hold in 2003 by the Iraq war. It's in the early stages right now, but expect "melee weapons, projectile weapons and vehicles." Oh, and no Mel Gibson, surprising no one. Even though we don't know much, what more do you need to know? Mad Max. George Miller. Cory Barlog. Two men enter! One game leaves!
Why Cory Barlog had to leave Sony and the God of War team
Cory Barlog, director of God of War II, recently left Sony to do his own thing -- similar to how David Jaffe, director of the first God of War, moved on to creating independent studio "Eat, Sleep, Play." With the God of War franchise being so successful, why do these directors feel like they have to move on? Well, it's because of its success. In an interview with Level Up, Barlog reveals his fears of being "the God of War guy" for the rest of his career: "And I could see--this franchise is very successful for Sony and I think it's awesome. I was big part of making that a success for them and I think it's great that they should continue doing it, but I don't want to make God of War IV and God of War V and God of War: The Expansion Pack and God of War: The Role-Playing Kart Racing Game. I definitely could see that there is a potential for that."Barlog appears frustrated at the current state of the industry, which puts heavy restrictions on its game designers. A popular movie director, for example, can have his say after one blockbuster hit. Game directors don't get the same freedom. As a result, the industry as a whole has been seeing more and more high-profile game developers move on to independent projects: Yuji Naka and Shinji Mikami are a few examples that come to mind.Ultimately, Barlog doesn't think the industry is going to change any time soon. It's going to take time for the industry to give the freedom game designers deserve. "I personally don't think that [my leaving Sony Computer Entertainment] is going to be a slap in the face to them or anything like that. That's not what it's meant to be, but--I don't think it's going to make them change immediately, but I do hope that it's best like this; that this is a step in the right direction for everybody in the industry and that more and more people can see that it is something that's feasible."
God of War II's Cory Barlog teams with 'Mad Max' filmmaker George Miller
Australian filmmaker George Miller, perhaps most famous for the Mad Max series, is teaming up with God of War II director Cory Barlog, reports Newsweek. (As N'Gai Croal notes, the "Justice League" headline is a just a cute pun and not some project hint.) The collaboration is said to be for multiple projects, although no specifics have been revealed -- our hopes are for a Happy Feet MMO. Croal said more details will be coming tomorrow.
God of War II director would like to make a Wii game
Cory Barlog's comments about the lack of story in Super Mario Galaxy incensed quite a few of you, but Barlog isn't all about criticism when it comes to the Wii. In fact, the God of War II director would even like to make a Wii game one day. Much of the appeal in making a Wii game, according to Barlog, is that it's as cheap as chips (at least in comparison to the console's current-gen counterparts). Less money at stake also means less hands in the pot, and as a result, more creative freedom. Who knows if a Barlog game on the Wii will ever come to pass (we wouldn't necessarily count on it), but saying, "I would love to make a game on this system" -- well, that's always a good sign.[Via NeoGAF]
Wii Warm Up: A good yarn
Cory Barlog's recent remarks on Super Mario Galaxy's "vapid story" riled quite a few of our readers, with many arguing that Mario games simply don't need much of a narrative hook to be hella fun.That argument certainly has some weight, but we don't want to open that particular debate again today. Instead, we'd like to know how important a good story is to you when it comes to choosing games. Are you more a fan of epic tales (Final Fantasy), do you prefer something a little more subtle (Ico), or couldn't you care less about having a story to wade through? Finally, if you do appreciate a strong narrative like the Beatrix Potter fan above, which Wii games have kept you glued?
Do Mario games need a better story?
God of War 2 director Cory Barlog recently criticized Super Mario Galaxy in his blog for its "vapid story." While he does have some positive things to say about the game, Barlog was ultimately left disappointed. As for the reason he didn't get hooked on the game, he speculates, "I think it is because I just don't care about the why. I mean, the freaking princess is abducted ... again." The fact that Mario games sell incredibly well isn't lost on him, and he acknowledges that they're fun to play, but to him they're still missing a key element.Barlog expressing his distaste for something Wii related is nothing new, but all the same, we think his point is valid. While playing Mario games is more about the great platforming experience than the "why" behind it, we can't help but wonder if some fresh story elements would bring some life into the franchise. We certainly wouldn't complain if we were to see something different in the next iteration of Mario, but maybe that's just us.[Via Game|Life]
Cory Barlog says Kratos is left in good hands
Cory Barlog was the man sent to guide the God of War series after David Jaffe moved to his own studio. He left Sony's Santa Monica Studio and left God of War 3. Sounds insane, right? People did panic a little, but Barlog assures us the game and Kratos are in good, loving hands via his personal blog.The important part to note is the story crafted in the first two games continues exactly as Barlog wanted: "When Sony and I finally did part ways the foundation of the game, along with story that completes the arc we began in God of War, was complete." So we'll still be getting Barlog and Jaffe's story instead of someone else. We're promised a big, epic bang though. Excellent.[via 1UP]
Cory Barlog leaves Sony; God of War 3 in development
Cory Barlog, director of Santa Monica Studio and of God of War II, will soon be leaving Sony in order to pursue other opportunities. In a statement to 1Up, Sony thanks Barlog for his work on one of their biggest PS2 franchises of the year as well as stating that they have faith in the team at Santa Monica Studio and in their future projects. Specifically, God of War: Chains of Olympus for PSP and God of War III for PS3. This marks the first time that a Sony representative has confirmed the development of God of War III and, while we all knew it was coming, it's nice to have the game officially on the cards. With no indication of how long development has been going on, there's no real way of knowing when the game will be released but we're willing to play our bets safe and guesstimate at some time during 2009.
God of War II director leaves SCEA
David Jaffe passed down the reigns of the God of War franchise to Cory Barlog, who took over the director's seat for the critically acclaimed God of War II. However, it looks like Barlog is also leaving the house of Kratos. "We can confirm that Cory Barlog, game director for God of War II, is leaving the SCEA Santa Monica Studio and we are grateful for his work and creative vision for the critically acclaimed God of War franchise," says a Sony spokesperson to 1UP.This surprising announcement will not affect the upcoming Chains of Olympus or the never-really-officially-announced God of War III for PS3. "Moving forward, we are confident in the God of War team, as they are an extremely talented group of people that are passionate about the franchise and dedicated to creating even more epic content with God of War: Chains of Olympus for the PSP and God of War III for PS3."[Via Joystiq]
