David Jaffe is back at it again as he recently released another video about God of War and Kratos’ character. Jaffe was the original creator of the franchise and led the development of the original 2005 game and its 2007 sequel.
He had no contributions to the 2018 reboot and its 2022. He has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the direction the series has taken under Cory Barlog’s leadership. Despite his reservations, Jaffe acknowledged the marketing brilliance behind these changes.
David Jaffe Reiterates His Opinion on Cory Balrog’s Direction of The Recent God of War Games
Joined by John Garvin, creator of Days Gone, David Jaffe recently released a video on his YouTube channel. He and Garvin talked about where the character of Kratos was taken with the 2018 God of War reboot and its sequel.
Speaking on the character and the story of the 2018 reboot, Garvin stated that Cory Barlog’s idea for the character was like a softening of Kratos. To which Jaffe replied:
What Cory did for 2018 was so smart and brilliant. Because we knew this character needed a jumpstart. It was as much of a brilliant marketing/PR move on his part, as it was a writing part.
He went on to say that while this decision was solid, he continues and says that it only works for a story that is concluding. And by the time that you got to Ragnarok, it took away from the character.
I think the problem with it is that….. Once you pull the rabbit out of the hat which was “Hey look, he’s (Kratos) changed.” That works if the storys over. But then you get to Ragnarok and what you’re left with….is a character who is fundamentally no longer that interesting.
Jaffe’s main contention lies in the shift from Kratos’ original portrayal as a relentless, vengeful warrior to a more nuanced character grappling with family issues and personal growth.
Jaffe believes that the personal issues of the writers are being imposed onto Kratos, leading to a significant departure from the character’s original essence.
The God of War Franchise Has Never Been Better After The Recent Releases
The direction of the God of War series under Cory Barlog and Santa Monica Studio has undeniably shifted from its original path. However, this shift has not only rejuvenated the franchise but also garnered a new generation of fans.
The critical and commercial success of the recent titles suggests that many players enjoy seeing Kratos as more than just a killing machine, appreciating the deeper, more personal stories being told.
While Jaffe’s views on the evolution of Kratos have certainly ruffled some feathers, they also highlight the complexity of character development in video games.
It will be interesting to see how the franchise balances the legacy of its original creation with the demands of modern storytelling. What do you think of Kratos in the recent God of War games? Let us know in the comments!
