Cory Barlog, the head of creative at Santa Monica Studio, revealed during the ‘God of War: Laufey’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 that the next chapter in the legendary saga will once again feature Kratos. This upcoming game will follow God of War: Laufey and continue her story directly. It is expected to release sometime after the launch of its predecessor, which already has a confirmed release date of February 16, 2027.

Kratos-Led God of War Confirmed After Laufey 

Cory Barlog, the head of creative at Santa Monica Studio, revealed during the ‘God of War Laufey’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 that the next chapter in the legendary saga will once again feature Kratos. This upcoming game will follow God of War: Laufey and continue her story directly. It is expected to release sometime after the launch of its predecessor, which already has a confirmed release date of February 16, 2027.

God of War Ragnarok l Image Credit: Santa Monica Studio

That release date for God of War: Laufey was also announced at the event. For now, this remains the only official detail about the next God of War game. There is still no confirmation regarding when it will launch, which platforms it will be available on, or what its title and setting will be, apart from the expectation that it will most likely arrive on the same platforms as recent entries, feature a setting connected to the previous game, and star Kratos himself. 

Cory Barlog on Expanding the God of War Universe 

During the Comic-Con 2026 panel, Cory Barlog spoke about God of War: Laufey, saying that his intention with this project was to expand and complement his world with surprising characters and give players more reasons to explore. He stated that not only is the Faye game connected with the previous ones, but it is also the beginning of the following stage of development. The game director mentioned that Phranque was involved in the development from the very start, and that it is fascinating to witness the evolution of the world. Barlog also noted that everything is paving the way for something greater. 

God Of War: Ragnarok | Image Credit: PlayStationSanta Monica Studio Confirms More Kratos Stories Ahead 

During the reveal of the Faye-starring next chapter of God of War in June, Santa Monica Studio explored Kratos’ journey as the main representative of the franchise’s legacy. Barlog mentioned in an interview uploaded on PlayStation’s YouTube channel that “there’s always going to be Kratos games”. This was further supported by the company’s social media, which assured they have “many more tales to share with him”.

Mixed Response to God of War Laufey Reveal

Early reactions to God of War Laufey have been generally positive. Many fans and critics have positively responded to the game’s combat system and impressive graphics. However, not everyone was pleased with the first mission. Some players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the game’s simple gameplay demonstrated in the teaser trailer. Moreover, they were surprised that Kratos, the protagonist of the series, was not the main character.

Image Source: Playstation

To address fans’ concerns, Santa Monica Studio confirmed during San Diego Comic-Con that another Kratos-led God of War title is already in development. Releasing after God of War: Laufey, this next installment will directly bridge her narrative with Kratos’s ongoing journey, assuring fans that the iconic protagonist remains central to the franchise’s future.

Barlog and Lawrence on Faye’s Role and Kratos’ Future 

During the panel, Cory Barlog described God of War Laufey not as a new direction for the series but as another thread in the larger tapestry of the saga. He explained that while Faye represents something different, she is still part of the broader vision of exploring various characters within the world.

Barlog also emphasized that Kratos will always remain a cornerstone of the franchise, assuring fans that there will continue to be Kratos games throughout the series’ history. He expressed excitement about that future. Lawrence then replied, ‘Oh, for sure. We can’t tell stories about the big guy. ’