Looking back, no one knew where Santa Monica was taking God of War 2018, nor did anyone expect them to deliver as strongly as they did.

When God of War 2018 first came out, it received near-universal acclaim for its deeply moving narrative, satisfyingly developed characters, and intense, revamped combat. It took Kratos on a more personal journey, one that resonated well with both long-time fans and newcomers and quickly became one of Santa Monica Studio’s defining achievements.

Kratos holding Faye’s urn in God of War 2018 – Image: Santa Monica Studio

Yet, when we look back on the time leading up to its release, all we remember are fans who were anything but convinced. Cory Barlog and his team’s daring creative choices left many feeling skeptical, leading to a wave of backlash that took Santa Monica Studio by surprise.

God of War 2018’s Production Phase Was a Tense One for Cory Barlog and Santa Monica

In hindsight, God of War 2018’s development period was riddled with tension, as fans worried that Santa Monica might be abandoning what they loved most about the series.

First and foremost, the move to Norse mythology was already a significant departure for the franchise, and Kratos’ reimagined personality—more restrained and fatherly—had some players concerned that he would lose the rage-filled edge that made him so memorable in the early.

What truly fueled the outcry, however, was the apparent absence of his iconic Blades of Chaos in all the early trailers and promotional material, making it feel as though the weapon was no longer a part of Kratos’ forthcoming journey.

With only the Leviathan Axe on display, fans feared Kratos was becoming unrecognizable from his violent self. This essentially ignited attempts across the internet to tarnish the project’s image, given the rhetorical shorthand #NotMyGodOfWar.

However, behind the scenes, Cory Barlog was facing a unique struggle. While he understood fans’ concerns, he simply didn’t wish to reveal that the Blades of Chaos were indeed part of the game. Reflecting on this challenging period back in 2019, he mentioned that:

“That [backlash] was frustrating. I was so big on keeping the secret of the blades. But I was getting bombarded. Why do we want this new weapon? No one cares about this new weapon! We want the Blades of Chaos! I wanted to be able to tell everyone, ‘Don’t worry. It’s gonna be fine.’”

Barlog’s hands were tied, and although he wished he could ease fans’ doubts, he had to trust that the final experience would speak for itself. Looking back on things now, all these years later, the entire debate feels almost trivial, considering how the Blades’ reveal became one of the game’s most potent moments.

The Gamble Barlog and His Team Took Paid off in Spades Once God of War Came Out

Mimir communicating with Jörmungandr in God of War 2018 – Image Credit: Santa Monica Studio.

When the game finally launched, all that pre-released outcry felt massively misplaced, especially given how God of War 2018 transformed Kratos into a richer, more complex character than all his past iterations.

His relationship with Atreus brought out a certain depth and vulnerability that previous games lacked. Santa Monica’s shift to Norse mythology allowed for a more intimate setting, perfect for the story they wanted to tell. This wasn’t a softening of Kratos; it was an evolution, one that resonated deeply with fans once they experienced it firsthand.

The combat, too, saw significant improvements with the Leviathan Axe, adding a new dimension to the action while maintaining the series’ intensity. As we all know now, Santa Monica didn’t forget the Blades of Chaos—they made their return part of a poignant narrative arc, symbolizing Kratos’ struggle with his past.

When the Blades finally appeared, with Kratos forced to use them to cure Atreus, the moment felt earned, deepening both the story and Kratos’ journey. Everything, from the journey back to his home to Athena’s ghostly apparition haunting him, was perfectly executed on Santa Monica’s part.

All that is to say, we’re glad the studio’s decision to withhold this reveal paid off in the end, silencing all those early tantrums with one unforgettable scene. God of War 2018 may not be a flawless experience, but it hit all the right notes to win over even its harshest skeptics. At the end of the day, that’s what truly matters.

With all that said, what are your thoughts on the entire debacle surrounding God of War leading up to its release? Do you think the initial backlash Santa Monica faced was justified? Let us know in the comments below!