Is Santa Monica Studio Secretly Working on Both a New IP and the Next God of War?

Santa Monica Studio has started doing something that we’ve never seen before at the studio, as they are in development on a brand-new IP and God of War II. Until now, pairs of researchers would tackle a single SMS project at once – making this potential portfolio change an earlier puzzle.

Dual Production Methos by SMS: Is the New IP and God of War Sequel in Development?

Both projects are potentially being worked on as the studio is hiring for positions that hint at high activity surrounding each. Though a new IP led by God of War veteran Cory Barlog is already known to be in the pipeline, even more, recent job listings now seemingly indicate that work on the next entry in development for the series, too.

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One job listing raised some eyebrows with fans — as found by Tech4Gamers forum user Cindy Starlight, that of a senior “hero” combat designer. Ideal Qualifications for this role include experience with third-person melee action RPGs and preference to applicants who are already familiar with the combat systems from God of War or God of War Ragnarok. It sounds like the position is for a future God of War game rather than this new IP — such job ads have way different requirements.

Game Delay & Sony Response Details/ Time Ahead for Santa Monica Studio Watch

What the potential SMS working on two high-profile projects simultaneously could mean for their release schedules is something we do not know just yet. We don’t which is coming first – the new IP or God of War 5. This will be an interesting development for fans to watch, if it happens at all, and could signal the dawn of a new era for one of PlayStation’s most celebrated studios.