God of War Marks 20 Years as a Gaming Icon

From its 2005 debut to its 2018 reboot, the franchise redefined storytelling, gameplay, and mythological integration in modern gaming.

The original God of War launched on March 22, 2005, introducing groundbreaking combat mechanics, cinematic storytelling, and Greek mythology integration.
Kratos, the protagonist, became a pop culture icon and a mascot for Sony, embodying a complex evolution from rage-driven antihero to remorseful father.
The series initially spanned nine games in seven years, leading to concerns of franchise fatigue by the end of the PlayStation 3 era.
The 2018 reboot reimagined Kratos as a father grappling with his past, earning critical acclaim, selling over 20 million copies, and revitalizing the franchise.
God of War remains a benchmark for innovation in gameplay and storytelling, influencing modern game design two decades after its debut.