God of War Director Defends Linear, Story-Driven Games

There has been a lot of talk about the rising popularity, and focus, on multiplayer games. This debate within the gaming industry has only furthered with the recent news of Visceral Studios being shut down and EA taking over their vision for the upcoming Star Wars game. That shift in focus, according to EA themselves, is taking the narrative-heavy Star Wars title and changing it to a "broader experience that allows for more variety and player agency." Because of this, the director for God of War has taken to his social media account to defend his love for titles that offer a linear, story-driven pace.

I love linear single player games. Saddens me when the word linear is considered a bad thing. You can have agency in a linear story game.

— Cory Barlog (@corybarlog) October 18, 2017

The conversation even sparked conversation with fellow Visceral Games developers, one even responding directly with, "Well put, man. It was really weird at the office. Everyone was shocked." It is obvious that many gamers are not agreeing with the growing focus on online play - the Twitter thread just goes to show the heartfelt response of players everywhere showing support for Visceral, and other studios like them, that are being swept away by the rising trend of multiplayer.

Many titles were referenced throughout the responses, including showing off well-done titles such as the ever popular Last of Us game. For now, Barlog continues to pour his focus on the team's upcoming God of War title that will continue to push for story-heavy titles. For those that are unaware of the newest game in the franchise, and its dramatic changes:

• A New Beginning — His vengeance against the gods of Olympus far behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the lands of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive… and teach his son to do the same
• Second Chances — As mentor and protector to a son determined to earn his respect, Kratos is faced with an unexpected opportunity to master the rage that has long defined him. Questioning the dark lineage he's passed on to his son, he hopes to make amends for the shortcomings of his past
• Midgard and Beyond — Set within the untamed forests, mountains, and realms of Norse lore, God of War features a distinctly new setting with its own pantheon of creatures, monsters, and gods
• Vicious, Physical Combat — With an intimate, over-the-shoulder free camera that brings the action closer than ever, combat in God of War is up close, frenetic, and unflinching. Kratos' axe —powerful, magic and multi-faceted – is a brutal weapon as well as a versatile tool for exploration

Only time will tell what the future holds in store for narrative-driven games in a changing market. Until then, PlayStation 4 players can look forward to God of War releasing sometime in early 2018 exclusively for the Sony console.