When the upcoming God of War sequel was first teased in 2020 with a release window of 2021, fans were astounded. Not only did it seem like a quick turnaround time, it was at least one big reason to purchase a PS5. It didn't take long for this window to become fishy though, as event after event passed with not a mention of it.
So little is actually known about the game, including its title. Sony recently confirmed it wouldn't be titled God of War: Ragnarok, which makes sense given that it was never confirmed, that Sony nor Santa Monica have ever referred to it as such, and it only exists as a fan-given name in the meantime. That's totally fine, but it does factor in to why almost no one is really surprised about God of War's delay into 2022. That too is perfectly fine with many, as more time should make a better game, but the decision to release it on both PS4 and PS5 has decided some fans.
God of War 2022
Alongside its delay, it has been confirmed that when the next God of War releases in 2022, it will do so as a cross-gen title on both PS4 and PS5. Many have claimed that God of War will release on PS4 too leading up to this confirmation, as it does make some sense regarding the availability of PS5s, but that hasn't stopped PS5 exclusive titles like Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart either. Many others swore up and down it would be exclusive to the PS5, and both side's reasons came to pure speculation. Perhaps the number one reason for it coming across as a shock is specifically because of assumptions and lack of information as to why.
Sony has said it believes in generations, and that quote can be interpreted in a bunch of ways. Games, such as the aforementioned, have released as exclusives, and many assumed the God of War sequel would as well, in order to take advantage of all the PS5's unique features. If that's not the case, or at the least since it is releasing on PS4 too, does that mean one version will be inferior? Will the next gen version be watered down as a result? How does Sony and the associated developers decide, aside from any case-by-case assumptions, what will be cross-gen like Horizon and God of War and what won't be like Returnal and Demon's Souls.
To answer these questions, many assume things like the PS5 shortages likely factor into how the game will sell. With PS5 shortages lasting into 2022, though, that's not really concrete speculation. It stands to reason that releasing on both will be good for sales, but that doesn't add up much either. Both sound reasonable, but they are not bonafide explanations. If Sony could partially meet demand, God of War is one title that would really sell the PS5. As it stands, until it is announced, no one knows for sure why one game is exclusive and another isn't.
As a result, while the delay is not surprising, the cross-gen decision is. Many assumed that the next God of War would be a definitive next-gen experience, and many may be questioning that with the recent news. What should be kept in mind, though, since so few details ae known about the game is that empty speculation doesn't really help. God of War 2, Ragnarok, or whatever it is called will release on PS4 and PS5 in 2022, there's no denying that now. But that doesn't have to hamper the experience on either console. Until the game releases, based on the first of the new games alone, those are worried should take solace in knowing that this delay only helps deliver that definitive experience, and the cross-gen release just helps more dive into that, regardless of the "whys" or "hows" or "ifs" of the situation.
The God of War sequel is set to release in 2022 for PS4 and PS5.
