In a recent YouTube video on his official channel, the creator of the God of War series, David Jaffe, voiced his disagreement with the direction the franchise and its protagonist Kratos have taken. Read on to know more.
God of War Creator David Jaffe Criticizes Evolution of Kratos in Recent Titles
God of War Creator Says He Doesn't Want Kratos to Grow
David Jaffe, who led the original God of War title in 2005 and its 2007 sequel, shared his thoughts on the 2018 God of War and the latest installment, Ragnarok. Jaffe suggested in the video that Kratos would be better suited as a somewhat static character to fit a particular archetype.
He expressed his belief that the recent, more mature portrayal of Kratos is a result of developers injecting their personal lives into the series. Responding to comments from animation director Bruno Velazquez about the franchise mirroring people’s growth, Jaffe dismissed the idea, stating, “I don’t want these characters to grow. I don’t give a f*ck what you’re going through at the studio.”
The Current Portrayal of Kratos is a Departure From Original Concept
Jaffe continued on to say that the current portrayal of Kratos is a significant departure from his original portrayal. "I don’t like the direction that God of War is going in, at all. Ragnarok was a great game, wonderfully made and produced but it’s not God of War."
In a past interview with Eurogamer, Jaffe said that although the idea for God of War was his own, the concept owed a debt to Capcom because he had played Onimusha and said "let's do that with Greek mythology". He elaborated more on his concept, saying "What I liked was the kids stuff you get with Greek Mythology; monsters and giant set pieces and the fantasy. But then I liked the idea of taking that and sort of merging it with the sex and the violence and more of the adult stuff."
He expressed his discontent with Kratos and God of War shifting towards themes of family and fatherhood, stating, "That is not what this character is. Stop! Someone needs to be able to tell these people no sometimes."
He contended that the core audience for God of War may not resonate with themes of family and parenting, saying "Your core audience for God of War, I don’t think gives a f*ck about family in that way, or, raising a kid."
Fan Reactions Rebuke Jaffe's Take
In contrast to Jaffe's perspective, many fans argue that the recent emotional moments and character evolution have been a welcome and natural progression for Kratos. Over the years, Kratos has transformed from a vengeful warrior in the 2005 original to a more complex and emotionally nuanced character in the 2018 reboot and Ragnarok. Fans and critics alike have praised the evolution of Kratos, considering it a natural progression for the character.
Source:
God Of War's Creator Is Unhappy With The Direction
Of Kratos
Godlike: David Jaffe interview with Eurogamer
