Tech

Sony shifts God of War focus to Faye in new PS5 title Laufey

The upcoming game marks a narrative departure from Kratos, with Deborah Ann Woll returning as the protagonist in a title set for release on PlayStation 5.

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Owen Mercer
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Source: The Verge · original
God of War Laufey is coming to the PS5
Santa Monica Studio announces aerobatic gameplay and new cast for next entry in blockbuster franchise

Sony has announced God of War Laufey, the next entry in its flagship franchise, during a State of Play showcase at Summer Game Fest. Developed by Sony’s Santa Monica Studio, the title is confirmed for release on the PlayStation 5, though no official launch date has been provided. The announcement marks a significant narrative pivot for the series, shifting the protagonist role from Kratos to his mother, Faye, also known as Laufey.

Deborah Ann Woll, who portrayed Faye in God of War Ragnarök, will reprise her role for the new title. The game introduces a distinct gameplay style described as aerobatic and magic-focused, contrasting with the heavy melee combat associated with Kratos. The narrative also features new companions, including a giant six-legged flying cat, a talking gelatinous cube named Phranque voiced by Jack Quaid, and Rue, a set of talking ribbons attached to Faye’s sword, voiced by Perlina Lau.

The reveal comes as Sony continues to bolster its portfolio of exclusive titles for the PS5. The State of Play broadcast also provided further details on Marvel’s Wolverine, developed by Insomniac Games. The superhero title, which was first announced in 2021, is scheduled for release on 15 September 2026. This date was confirmed in February 2026, following an initial gameplay reveal in September 2025.

God of War has established itself as one of Sony’s most critical and commercial successes since its 2018 reboot, sitting alongside other major franchises such as The Last of Us and Horizon. The series’ previous instalment, Ragnarök, launched on the PS5 in 2022. The franchise’s cultural footprint has expanded beyond gaming, with a live-action streaming adaptation currently in development for Prime Video.

The shift in protagonist for God of War Laufey represents a notable change in the storytelling approach of blockbuster video games, which have historically centred on male leads. By placing Faye at the centre of the narrative, Sony is signalling a new direction for the series. The studio also recently released Sons of Sparta, a 2D prequel, earlier this year, demonstrating a continued commitment to expanding the universe’s lore and gameplay mechanics.

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