The God of War series seems to be heading toward a major shift, and this time the rumors are not about Kratos at all. According to new hints circulating online, Cory Barlog’s next project may introduce a different lead character from the Norse saga: Faye.
A curious LinkedIn clue
Everything started with a LinkedIn profile spotted by ResetEra users at the beginning of March. The profile belongs to a Senior Writer who worked at Santa Monica Studio between 2020 and 2025 and mentions helping shape “the narrative vision and creative direction for a new franchise within the God of War universe, developing original characters, stories and lore that expand the acclaimed IP.
That wording immediately grabbed attention. It does not sound like a simple sequel, but like a spin-off or a new branch inside the same universe. The idea of a “new franchise” under the God of War umbrella fits perfectly with rumors that Sony wants to turn the series into a broader universe, able to support multiple projects in parallel.
What is Cory Barlog working on after Ragnarok
Cory Barlog directed God of War (2018), the soft reboot that reinvented the series and moved it to Norse mythology. For God of War Ragnarok he handed directing duties to Eric Williams, while he reportedly focused on a different, unannounced project inside the studio.
Over the last few years, speculation about that secret game has gone in many directions. Some sources suggested a completely new science fiction IP, others talked about a new mythological setting. In 2025, journalist Jason Schreier stated that Barlog’s project “is not a new IP, but it could feel like one,” a description that sounded cryptic at the time. Now, combined with the LinkedIn clue, it makes more sense: a new series inside the God of War universe, but with a different focus and cast.
Reports have also mentioned Sony’s interest in turning God of War into a more expansive universe, similar in spirit—though not in size—to the Marvel model, with room for spin-offs and parallel stories rather than only numbered sequels.
Why Faye is at the center of the leak
Shortly after the LinkedIn discovery spread, well-known leaker NateTheHate posted on X that Barlog’s next game is indeed set in the God of War universe and that the main playable character would be Faye.
Faye is already a crucial figure in the modern games, even if players spend little time with her on screen. In God of War (2018), her death sets the main story in motion, sending Kratos and Atreus on their journey to scatter her ashes. By the end, players learn she was in fact a giant from Jotunheim, known among her people as Laufey.
Ragnarok goes further and shows more of her past with Kratos through visions and dreamlike scenes. In an optional area of Vanaheim, players can even find traces of a devastating battle between Faye and Thor, hinting at her combat skills and importance in the war between the giants and the Aesir gods.
If the leak is accurate, the next game could be a prequel that follows Faye during the height of that conflict. This would allow Santa Monica Studio to revisit familiar realms while telling a completely different story, focused on the giants’ perspective instead of Kratos and Atreus.
A more aggressive style and a possible release window
According to the same rumors, the gameplay in this new God of War project would be more action‑heavy than the Norse duology. That suggests faster pacing and more direct combat, which fits the idea of playing as a Jotun warrior fighting the Aesir.
The current unofficial timeline points to a reveal sometime this year and a launch targeted for the first half of 2027, although delays are always possible. If that holds, the Faye‑led game could arrive before any potential remakes of the original Greek trilogy, which many fans believe might come later.
What this could mean for the future of God of War
If Sony and Santa Monica Studio really put Faye in the spotlight, it would mark a bold new era for the franchise. After years in which God of War was effectively synonymous with Kratos, shifting to another lead character would allow the team to experiment with different tones, themes and combat styles without breaking away from the universe built since 2018.
It would also support the idea of God of War as an extended universe rather than a linear series of numbered entries. Spin-offs centered on key figures like Faye could fill the gaps between main releases and keep interest high, while giving fans new angles on mythologies they already love.
For now, nothing has been officially confirmed by Sony or Santa Monica Studio. Until a formal reveal happens, all of this remains speculation based on profiles, reports and comments from known leakers. Still, the pieces line up in an intriguing way, and if Sony really wants to open the door to a wider God of War universe, a game starring Faye feels like a natural place to begin.
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While I don’t think this franchise will ever be the same if they decide to continue with other main characters besides Kratos, I don’t mind spin-offs at all. The most recent entries in the franchise have been a lot of fun and if the next title is anywhere near the gameplay quality of those bring it on.