Raf Grassetti, known for his work on ‘God of War‘ and ‘God of War Ragnarök’, has joined Naughty Dog as an art director. This move comes after Netflix closed its AAA gaming studio in October, where Grassetti had been working on a new project.

Grassetti began his journey at Sony Santa Monica in 2013, eventually becoming the studio art director in 2022. In May, he left to collaborate with industry veterans like Joseph Staten, Chacko Sonny, and Jerry Edsall at Netflix Games. However, Netflix shut down the studio in October, ending their project before any details were made public.

Following the closure, Grassetti announced his new role at Naughty Dog, expressing excitement about rejoining PlayStation and contributing to their upcoming ventures. He shared his enthusiasm on social media, thanking those who facilitated the transition and expressing eagerness to reveal more about the new project.

Naughty Dog has been tight-lipped about their current projects. Since releasing ‘The Last of Us Part 2’ in 2020, they’ve canceled a standalone multiplayer game and hinted at multiple ambitious single-player titles.

Speculation includes a potential ‘The Last of Us Part 3’, especially after the success of HBO’s adaptation, and rumors of a fantasy-themed game. Grassetti’s specific role remains undisclosed, leaving us curious about the creative direction he’ll help shape.

Former ‘GOD OF WAR’ art director, Raf Grassetti has joined Naughty Dog as the studios Art Director

Grassetti says he’s helping the studio with their next big project pic.twitter.com/Ym0aQNjExm

— ScreenTime (@screentime) December 9, 2024

This development highlights the dynamic nature of the gaming industry, where talent moves between studios, bringing fresh perspectives to beloved franchises. Grassetti’s transition from Sony Santa Monica to Netflix Games, and now to Naughty Dog, underscores the collaborative spirit among top-tier developers.

As we await official announcements, Grassetti’s involvement adds anticipation for Naughty Dog’s future releases.

In summary, Raf Grassetti’s move to Naughty Dog as an art director, following the closure of Netflix’s gaming studio, positions him to significantly influence the studio’s forthcoming projects. While details are scarce, his track record suggests a promising addition to Naughty Dog’s creative team.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!