Santa Monica Might Already Be Working on a New God of War Game
The suggestion is based on three new job positions opened by the studio.
Image Credit: Santa Monica Studio, God of War Ragnarök
Less than a year has passed since the official launch of God of War Ragnarök, and already there are indications that Santa Monica Studio might be in the early stages of developing a follow-up to the franchise. This speculation arises from the recent unveiling of three new job positions at the studio, each of which explicitly seeks developers familiar with the intricacies of their previous God of War titles.
The roles include Combat Designer, Senior Combat Designer, and Senior Combat Designer for Companions, and all of them emphasize a requirement for candidates to have knowledge about God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022) that goes beyond the surface. Prospective applicants are expected to possess an in-depth understanding of the combat systems, mechanics, and adversaries within the games.
Other requirements include:
- 2+ (4+ for Senior roles) years in game development, with at least one in a Character Design capacity (creative and technical)
- Experience using text-based and visual scripting languages to set up character logic, debug complex problems, and test work thoroughly
- Self-sufficient in getting to the root of a problem or issue and taking the necessary steps to find solutions
- Basic knowledge of vector math, scripting languages, and code (e.g., XML, C++, Lua)
- Must be able to grasp and work with code-based proprietary tools to implement and troubleshoot assigned characters
- Must have knowledge of competitive products and various gameplay genres, as well as a personal understanding of video game fun with regard to combat and enemy design
- Ability to think logically with a strong level of attention to detail; should be able to break down design concepts and analyze them with regard to purpose and intent
- Must possess quality written communication skills and the ability to convey abstract concepts
- Must be able to professionally communicate and work with other members of the game production team
The list of responsibilities includes:
- Creating high-level character design intent and combat flow plans
- Character animation and behavior implementation via state machines, behavior trees, visual effects, sound effects, and various other scripting systems
- Iteratively work within the set standard for all character asset design, creation, and in-game implementation within the production path as it relates to design, art, and otherwise
- Attend and participate in combat-specific discussions concerning combat design and combat design issues
- Attend and participate in production-related discussions concerning relevant feature pipelines and roadmaps
- Represent complex design and character features to multiple departments as “the point person”
- Value the relationship between gameplay elements within the level and the overall game and all the ways the player can respond to each gameplay element
- Respond and act on playtest and lead feedback with the aim of creating the best experience for all player skill levels
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