IG: There's really an aura of quality surrounding the franchise. No cheap knock-offs like a Kratos golf game sullying people's view of the series.
SC: We're very aware of that at Sony Santa Monica - [God of War PR rep] Claudine knows how much of a pain in the butt we were for the rest of SCE! We asked to be involved in 99 percent of the discussions about the use of the brand. We have lots of people breathing down our necks and we do our best to make our games the best we can, but we also look at things and consider 'Do we want Kratos on the back of a Fruit Loops box?' We're the keepers of the franchise and we take that responsibility seriously; we don't want something if it isn't true to the series. I could probably have a few people just work on the franchise itself; there was a lot of work put into that Slurpee promotion and we're thankful for all the support we got, but we were real pains in the butt to make sure it looked right and it worked.
IG: Can we expect more blockbuster, AAA titles from Sony Santa Monica down the road, even if they're not in the God of War series?
SC: Absolutely! That's always our goal. Not to sound like a broken record, but we're constantly pushing ourselves, so no matter what our next product is and no matter what genre it is, we'll strive to make it the best of the best.
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IG: Sometimes I'll ask that question and I'll get a response where the person actually does know what they're going to do, but doesn't want to tell... but you really don't know, do you?
SC: I have no idea! I just finished three years of my life on God of War III and seven years on the God of War series - I have kids younger than that! We're excited to work on large projects but it's not a decision that's made flippantly and we're going to take our time with it. The only game I had the chance to play through the past few years was Dead Space; there are other games that have released that I want to have a chance to sit down and have those experiences! Actually playing some of those great games out there and seeing what other developers are doing… I'm looking forward to it – that's the best part of finishing a game!
IG: So it could be God of War related or it could be something completely different?
SC: Well, God of War III is the end of the trilogy. We didn't leave you on a cliffhanger but I think it's not the end of the franchise. I'm looking forward to do something different if we can. It also might be nice to return to the franchise if we can and bring all that knowledge back from wherever we go. Anything's possible. It's premature to say what it might be, since I don't even know what I'll be doing next week!
IG: Something we're curious about: Cory Barlog was an animator, you were an artist and Stig Asmussen worked at creating environments – what's up with the art staff moving up to being producers and directors at Sony Santa Monica?
SC: Part of it might be that the art track around here is involved in more than art – the technical side and organizational side that they experience gives them a good grasp of the whole product, so I suppose production roles become natural.
IG: Finally, I'm curious if Stig is planning on following in the footsteps of the previous God of War directors and embarking on his own odyssey or is he planning to stay on with Sony Santa Monica?
SC: I certainly hope Stig stays on. If he left, the studio might fall to me to direct and I know how much work that is! [laughs] For real, if I'd have to do it with a team I'd want to do it with this team.
IG: Any other thoughts you'd like to share?
SC: Just that we're really hugely excited to get it in the hands of the consumer, so they can enjoy the final chapter of Kratos' adventure!
IG: Thanks Steve.
14 Comments
May 5, 2010
And really, this guy didn't say it is definately the end of the GoW franchise, but that it is the end of the trilogy, meaning that spin-offs, such as the awesome PSP title Chains of Olympus, would be the most likely solution. send fax via internet
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