God of War Ragnarok is easily one of the most anticipated games of the year, but little has been shown so far. It’s been extra quiet as of late, and in this period of hard, heavy-hitting delays like Starfield, it’s understandable if some were worried about the God of War sequel becoming a 2023 title. Santa Monica itself has said, last month, that the game is on track, but of course, actions speak louder than words.
Interestingly enough, there have been a couple of recent developments and actions that lend themselves to God of War Ragnarok releasing in 2022—it could potentially even narrow it down to August and September. While some may be confused why Sony doesn’t release it in a more popular time, say October or November, this actually fits in with its typical release pattern. It’s not concrete proof of an August or September release date, but it’s a pretty good hint.
God of War Ragnarok Could Be Aiming for a September Release Date
The major thing is that God of War Ragnarok has broken its silence. While it’s not uncommon for a game that’s far away to share tidbits here and there, a game being silent in the months prior to release is an intentional strategy. It means devs are hard at work, and that work must continue when they begin speaking about the game. Marketing has essentially begun for God of War Ragnarok, and that’s a good sign.
Not too long ago, God of War Ragnarok revealed its accessibility suite of 60+ features. Leading this information is great for accessibility and more than appropriate as something for God of War Ragnarok to break its silence on. It’s true enough that Santa Monica hasn’t said anything since, which hasn’t been that long, and it wouldn’t be surprising to learn more next month (more on that below). However, that was followed by one more development.
God of War Ragnarok was recently rated in Korea, and normally, these ratings indicate a publisher is getting closer to marketing and release. This happens everywhere, of course, but Korean ratings and Sony first-party games have an interesting relationship. Korean ratings typically come in 3-4 months or so ahead of release.
As Pyo points out above, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart was rated in Korea in February and later released in June. Horizon Forbidden West was rated in Korea in November and released in February. That’s a time period of 3-4 months between rating and release. It should also be noted that Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s release date was announced in that same February, while Horizon Forbidden West had been delayed to February earlier, in August.
It's a lot of what ifs and speculation to dig through, but it’s worth noting that these games had a release date when they were rated. God of War Ragnarok does not, but on the assumption the pattern continues, that puts into an August or September release window. Both are viable per Sony’s typical release pattern, but September is also supported by a few rumors around the internet. In short, while there’s a lot of room for error, these developments could hint at a September release date.
God of War Ragnarok at the Next State of Play
Of course, the next big question is when fans will know for sure. If God of War Ragnarok is releasing in September and marketing is picking up, then a release date + new trailer announcement has to be soon. This is where more rumors come in. Many believe that Sony will host a State of Play in early June, and while that hasn’t been announced yet, it makes the most sense. It’s the best stage to get eyes on Sony’s games, as several other game showcases also take place. Summer Game Fest kicks off on June 9, and the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase takes place on June 12. Nintendo will no doubt have a direct of some sorts soon, perhaps even a second Pokemon Direct for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Sony may want to stand out from all that publicity—it has not attended E3 for a couple of years prior to COVID and E3’s cancellation—but it usually has its own event.
That event, when it is announced, essentially has to feature God of War Ragnarok if the game is targeting a 2022 release. A lot of this is still up in the air, but God of War Ragnarok releasing in September following a State of Play release date announcement seems like a safe bet.
God of War Ragnarok is in development for PS4 and PS5.
