'God of War' news: Game director teases sequel may explore Mayan and Egyptian mythology

Series protagonist Kratos in "God of War"Sony

This year's "God of War" is bringing the franchise from the Greek era of the previous installment to the world of Norse mythology, and it could explore other eras and settings in the future. If the game creators get their way, "God of War" director Cory Barlog says it may include the Egyptian and the Mayan era.

"The Greek games were the Greek era of God of War," Barlog said in the latest issue of Game Informer. "Moving on, the next mythological belief system he interacts with became the Norse era of God of War. But we may end up going on to the Egyptian era and the Mayan era and so on and so forth."

Assuming they do take this direction, the game would bear some resemblance to the "Assassin's Creed" series. Ubisoft's game has notably explored many different time periods and regions over its 10-year life span. Most recently, the franchise explored ancient Egypt, although its take was less fantastical compared to any of the "God of War" games.

Of course, nothing is set in stone yet. "God of War" has not hit the shelves yet, so it is best to think of Barlog's comments as a casual consideration of the franchise's future. Whichever direction they ultimately take the sequel, there is plenty of time for the developers to decide. One way or another, Barlog says it should make the franchise bigger and more popular than it currently is.

"To me, that was important, because I really think we needed to have a much bigger audience," he explained. "I want this to reach a lot of people; I want this to be on the level of the Uncharteds and the Assassin's Creeds. We want to grow this franchise big time."

According to reports, the previous installment "God of War: Ascension," which was based on Greek mythology, was met with polarizing reviews. The upcoming one will somehow restart the franchise, hence the "God of War" title," now featuring a new over-the-shoulder perspective and focus on less-flashy combat. Series protagonist Kratos is getting a different look as well, and a son who was not shown in the original trilogy.

The new "God of War" has no official exact release date right now, but leaks suggest it will be released on March 22, 2018.