Summary
A new job posting fromGod of Wardeveloper Santa Monica Studio features an interesting requirement that may hint at the studio’s next game being a substantial deviation from its prior work.Santa Monica Studiohas long been rumored to be developing a brand-new IP, and if job listings are any indication, the project could surprise fans who are used to theGod of Warseries.
For two full decades, Santa Monica Studio has exclusively worked on theGod of Warfranchise. Since the release of the firstGod of Wargame in 2005, Santa Monica Studio has delivered six franchise entries, and even breathed new life into the series with 2018’s critically acclaimed reboot. AfterGod of War Ragnarokwrapped up the Norse sagain 2022 and the 2023 Valhalla DLC gave Kratos a satisfying character resolution, fans have been speculating what Santa Monica Studio could be cooking up next.
It seems the developer’s future doesn’t lie solely in theGod of Warseries, as rumors suggestSanta Monica Studio has been working on a new IPfor quite some time. Numerous job listings from Santa Monica Studio have mentioned a brand-new IP, and a recent Cinematic Artist role asks for applicants withmartial arts, acting, or dance experience- the latter being a rare requirement that implies the studio is exploring stylized, performance-driven animation and combat choreography. Compared toGod of War’s grounded brutality and epic mythology-inspired stories, this job listing points toward a game that could feature a fresh tone.
Santa Monica Studio Has Intriguing Job Requirements for its New IP
On the other hand, such requirements may just be standard fare for studios looking to bring cinematic artists on board. It’s worth noting that cinematic artists are usually in charge of helping ideate and create cutscenes and cinematic sequences, as well as storyboarding, previsualization, camera work, game engine integration, and everything in between. Given the martial arts requirement, though, it’s safe to assume thatSanta Monica Studio’s new IP will feature combat, that too potentially of a very different style compared toGod of War.
Previous job listings also revealed thatSanta Monica Studio’s new IP will be a third-person action gamethat could be targeting Sony’s next-generation console, the PlayStation 6 - likely alluding to a 2027 or 2028 launch window. Moreover, the project is purportedly being helmed byGod of War (2018)andGod of War 2director Cory Barlog, who first hinted at its existence after the debut ofGod of War Ragnarok’s first reveal trailer during the 2021 PlayStation Showcase. It remains to be seen when Santa Monica Studio pulls the covers off this brand-new project, but if the above information holds true, a formal reveal may take place next year.
