God of War Fans Disappointed as Santa Monica Studio Rules Out Announcements for 20th Anniversary Event

In a blow to hopeful fans, Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that there will be no new announcements related to the God of War franchise during its upcoming 20th anniversary celebration. This news dashes widespread speculation that the studio might reveal a remastered collection of the Greek saga games, a project that has been rumored for months and highly anticipated by the community.

A Legacy Spanning Two Decades

Since its debut in 2005 on the PS2, the God of War series has become one of PlayStation’s most iconic and beloved franchises. The original trilogy, along with spin-offs like Chains of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta, and Ascension, explored the world of Greek mythology, following the journey of the vengeful Spartan warrior Kratos. The series underwent a dramatic reboot in 2018, shifting its focus to Norse mythology and introducing a more mature and reflective Kratos, voiced by Christopher Judge. This reinvention earned critical acclaim and a new generation of fans, but many longtime followers have been eager to revisit the Greek saga in modern form.

The Greek Saga Remaster Rumors

Last year, rumors began circulating that Santa Monica Studio was working on a remastered collection of the Greek-era God of War games for the PS5. These rumors gained traction when credible industry insider Jeff Grubb suggested that the collection would be revealed around the time of the franchise’s 20th anniversary in March 2024. Fans were hopeful that the anniversary event would serve as the perfect platform to announce the project, especially since most of the Greek saga games (with the exception of God of War 3) are not playable on modern consoles like the PS4 and PS5.

Santa Monica Studio Sets the Record Straight

However, Santa Monica Studio has now put those hopes to rest. In a recent Twitter announcement, the studio revealed plans for a 20th anniversary panel featuring voice actors from the series, including TC Carson (the original voice of Kratos) and Christopher Judge (the current voice of Kratos). The panel will coincide with an art exhibition in Los Angeles celebrating the franchise’s legacy. However, the studio explicitly stated that there are “no planned announcements for this event,” effectively ruling out the possibility of a Greek saga remaster reveal.

This announcement has left many fans disheartened, as the remastered collection was seen as an opportunity to bring the classic games to a new audience while allowing longtime fans to relive Kratos’ Greek adventures with modern enhancements. Some fans have speculated that Santa Monica Studio might still announce the remasters through a PlayStation Blog post or another platform, but for now, there is no official indication that such a project is in the works.

Why Fans Want the Greek Saga Remastered

The demand for a Greek saga remaster stems from several factors:

1. Inaccessibility on Modern Consoles: With the exception of God of War 3, which was remastered for the PS4 in 2015, the Greek-era games are not available on current-gen consoles. This leaves a significant portion of the franchise’s history locked to older hardware.
2. Nostalgia and Legacy: The original God of War games are remembered for their groundbreaking combat, epic boss battles, and emotional storytelling. A remastered collection would allow both new and returning players to experience these classics with updated visuals and performance.
3. Contrast with the Norse Saga: The Norse-era games, while critically acclaimed, represent a significant tonal and gameplay shift from the Greek saga. Fans of the original games often express a desire to revisit the more brutal, fast-paced action of the earlier titles.

What’s Next for God of War?

While the lack of a remaster announcement is disappointing, the God of War franchise is far from dormant. The success of God of War (2018) and its sequel, God of War: Ragnarök, has solidified the series as a cornerstone of PlayStation’s first-party lineup. Rumors of a third installment in the Norse saga or even a potential shift to a new mythological setting (such as Egyptian or Japanese mythology) continue to circulate, though nothing has been confirmed.

In the meantime, the 20th anniversary panel and art exhibition will still be a treat for fans, offering a chance to celebrate the franchise’s rich history and hear from the voices behind Kratos, both past and present. The event will also serve as a reminder of how far the series has come, from its humble beginnings on the PS2 to its current status as one of gaming’s most acclaimed franchises.

Conclusion: A Bittersweet Celebration

While the absence of a Greek saga remaster announcement is a letdown for many, the God of War franchise remains a powerhouse in the gaming world. Santa Monica Studio’s decision to focus on celebrating the series’ legacy rather than announcing new projects suggests a commitment to honoring its history while continuing to innovate for the future. For now, fans will have to wait and see what’s next for Kratos—whether it’s a return to his Greek roots or a journey into uncharted mythological territory.