God of War Creator Criticizes Planned 2D Spin-Off, Citing Disrespect for the Franchise

February 17, 2026 - 01:26

David Jaffe, the original creator of the iconic God of War series, has voiced strong disapproval for a rumored 2D spin-off titled Sons of Sparta. In a recent online outburst, Jaffe questioned the creative direction, bluntly asking, "What the f\\\* are they thinking?" He argues that the proposed side-scroller format fundamentally fails to honor the legacy of the character and the series.

Jaffe's core criticism centers on the potential dilution of Kratos's formidable identity. He fears that translating the Ghost of Sparta's epic, brutal saga into a conventional 2D action game would reduce the complex character to a simplistic archetype. For Jaffe, the essence of God of War is intrinsically tied to its immersive, cinematic presentation and the profound evolution of its protagonist.

The developer emphasized that any new project must "respect the license" and the character's hard-earned gravitas. His passionate stance highlights a tension in game development between exploring new genres and maintaining the core spirit of a beloved franchise. Jaffe's comments make it clear he believes Kratos should never become "just some generic f\\\*ing kid" in a derivative side-scroller, insisting the God of War deserves a treatment worthy of his mythic stature.