The stage is set. We've seen teasers, trailers and announcements for a variety of Playstation 5 exclusives and other popular titles, from Call of Duty: Cold War to Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. We get a long-awaited look at the PS5's pricing structure. Finally, the stage is handed to the shortest teaser trailer I think I've ever seen. We get a brief clip of Kratos' signature growl before the words 'RAGNAROK IS COMING' are emblazoned on the screen. There's not a lot to go off other than that but I think it's safe to say that the PS5 will be treated to a sequel for the phenomenally successful God of War.
"You must prepare yourself" as Kratos so aptly puts it in the short but sweet teaser trailer. I think almost everyone who played Santa Monica Studio's smash hit God of War will be absolutely prepared for a sequel. The 2018 reboot of the popular PlayStation franchise was incredibly well-received by critics and casual fans alike. God of War focused largely on Kratos' relationship with his precocious son, Atreus. The vengeful, warlike god from previous titles was updated to a more vulnerable, reluctant father figure. This narrative element ushered in a new era for the rebooted series, leading to multiple Game of the Year awards and other accolades.
God of War's plot left ample room for a sequel, with (SPOILER ALERT) Kratos and Atreus succeeding in their quest to scatter Faye's ashes on the top of the tallest mountain. A cut scene reveals that Fimbulwinter, the dreaded three year winter, is coming. In Norse mythology, this is the harbinger for Ragnarok. See where this is going? Ragnarok is an apocalyptic event with feuding gods and natural disasters. A number of important members of the Norse pantheon die, including Loki and Odin.
This all sets us up for what promises to be an exciting and revelatory sequel.
The title is due to release for the PS5 in 2021.