Was Gow supposed to be in Egypt?
In the world of video games, many fans are always eager to learn about the backstory and development of their favorite titles. For the God of War franchise, a question has long been circulating among enthusiasts: was Gow originally supposed to be set in ancient Egypt? According to Cory Barlog, the director of God of War (2018), the answer is a resounding yes.
Initial Plans for an Egyptian Setting
During Devcom 2018, Cory Barlog revealed that the original concept for God of War (2018) had a distinctly Egyptian flavor. Kratos, the legendary protagonist, was to venture into the land of the pharaohs to take on Apotheosis, the ruler of the Egyptian gods. The setting was to be heavily inspired by Erick Powell‘s art, which was infused with Egyptian and Sumerian mythological elements. The idea was to blend Greek mythology with Egyptian mythology to create a unique narrative.
Changes and Inspiration
However, Sony Santa Monica Studio, the developer of God of War, eventually shifted focus away from an Egyptian setting. The reason for this change is unclear, but Barlog hints that the studio may have felt the game would have been too similar to existing titles. Additionally, Greek mythology became the primary inspiration, leading to a reboot of the God of War franchise.
A Peek into the Alternative World
Though God of War (2018) takes place in Midgard, Scandinavian mythology serves as the foundation. In an alternative universe, where Egypt was the setting, Kratos and Atreus might have found themselves face-to-face with the Egyptian gods, such as Anubis, Horus, and Ra. This fictional world would have introduced the pair to an array of exotic locations, like the Nile River and the Great Sphinx of Giza. God of War (2018) has since explored other mythologies, but this potential path is a fascinating what-if scenario.
Comparative Analysis: God of War vs. God of Egypt
| Aspect | God of War (2018) | Alternative God of War: Egypt |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Midgard, Scandinavian mythology | Ancient Egypt, Egyptian mythology |
| Mythology | Greek and Norse influences | Egyptian and Sumerian mythological elements |
| Locations | 9 Realms, Tartarus | Nile River, Great Sphinx of Giza, Pyramids of Giza |
| Enemies | Norse gods, Monsters | Egyptian gods, Gods of the afterlife |
Concluding Thoughts
In retrospect, Cory Barlog‘s statements suggest that an Egyptian setting for God of War would have been a fascinating exploration. Though this direction was ultimately abandoned, it serves as an intriguing footnote in the game’s development. God of War‘s creative choices have yielded an unforgettable gaming experience, but this alternate scenario only adds to the rich narrative landscape of the franchise. As gamers, we’re grateful for the world of God of War we know today, but a part of us will always wonder what could have been in this hypothetical God of Egypt universe.
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