Santa Monica Studio: More Than Just Remakes

Beyond the confirmed God of War Trilogy Remake, industry insiders claim Cory Barlog’s secret project is nearing its big reveal later this year.

A Busy Era for Santa Monica Studio

Coming off the heels of a massive State of Play event, Santa Monica Studio is proving it has much more under its belt than just nostalgia. While fans were thrilled by the official confirmation of the God of War Trilogy Remake and the surprise shadow-drop of a 2D God of War title, reports from Insider Gaming suggest a third major project is quietly moving toward the finish line.

The game in question is widely believed to be the next original IP (or major sequel) helmed by creative director Cory Barlog, who has been notably absent from the director's chair since the 2018 reboot.

Cory Barlog’s New Project: What We Know

According to prominent industry insider Shinobi602, this mystery title is separate from the Trilogy Remake. Responding to fans on ResetEra, the insider clarified that the project is "not that far" along in its development cycle, barring any unforeseen delays.

Key details emerging from the report include:

• Reveal Timeline: A formal announcement is expected sometime in 2026.

• Potential Events: The May State of Play or Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest are cited as the most likely stages for a trailer.

• Release Window: The phrasing "not that far" suggests the game could see a shorter window between its reveal and actual launch.

Expanding the God of War Universe

The studio is currently managing an impressive portfolio of projects simultaneously. In addition to the remake and the secret project, the recently announced God of War: Sons of Sparta has already begun revealing its voice cast (featuring Bryan Dechart). Meanwhile, the live-action God of War series for Amazon Prime Video is also moving into production, having recently cast its main leads for Kratos and Atreus.

"The reveal of this project is expected to be this year... it is likely the reveal could be at the May State of Play or Summer Game Fest." — Shinobi602, via Insider Gaming

The Future of Santa Monica Studio

By balancing high-fidelity remakes of the Greek era with new narrative-driven experiences, the studio is positioning itself as a powerhouse for both legacy fans and those looking for the "next big thing." If rumors hold true, 2026 will be the most significant year in the studio's history, potentially delivering three distinct gaming experiences alongside a major TV production.