God of War: The Board Game Design Diary 1 – The Game’s Lore – By Alex Olteanu

Greetings! I’m Alex Olteanu, Lead Game Designer for God of War: The Board Game, and I’m excited to introduce you to the game’s captivating narrative.

Developed in collaboration with Santa Monica Studio, the visionary creators of the original God of War video game series, this project blends narrative depth with strategic gameplay to offer a fresh, engaging experience to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Kratos, former Spartan warrior turned into god of war, ends up finding himself in Nordic lands and began anew life as a common man. Following the death of Faye, Kratos’ second wife and mother of his child, Atreus, father and son embark on a journey to fulfill her request that her ashes be spread from the highest peak of the nine realms. Kratos keeps his troubled past a secret from Atreus, who is unaware of his divine nature.

Our game imagines scenarios during the years between the events of God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, as they endure the trials of Fimbulwinter. Their journey is one of survival, training, and the forging of what is believed to be an unbreakable bond. This board game invites players to step into the shoes of Kratos and Atreus, facing the challenges of a world enveloped in snow and bracing for Ragnarök.

We are thrilled and honored to contribute to the expansion of the God of War universe, a franchise revered by fans worldwide. Being entrusted with the task of crafting a game within this acclaimed IP is both a challenge and an exciting moment in our careers. Throughout the creative process, Santa Monica Studio has been an invaluable partner, actively involved in discussions and consultations. Their guidance and collaboration have been instrumental in shaping our board game, allowing us to imagine possible stories in Kratos and Atreus’ journey.

We approached this endeavor with a profound sense of responsibility, wanting to offer players a fresh and immersive experience in this beloved universe. Through cooperative gameplay, the challenge is to survive and adapt to unfolding destiny. The game combines strategy and story, mirroring the duo’s path of growth, forgiveness, and preparation for the battles ahead.

We’re thrilled to share this adventure with you, offering a seat at the table where a part of Kratos and Atreus’s legacy unfolds.

Thanks for stopping by. We have plenty more to talk about God of War: The Board Game, so stay tuned for more updates.

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