Cory Barlog’s next major project, the one he’s been quietly developing since stepping away from directing God of War Ragnarök, is inching closer to a public reveal. According to two well-regarded insiders, Sony’s internal roadmap now points to a Summer 2026 announcement, with a 2027 release as the most likely target—barring unexpected delays.
The timing aligns with Sony’s traditional State of Play event, though one insider suggested an alternative possibility: a smaller, more focused presentation at the Summer Game Fest keynote. Either way, the window for details is tightening.
Barlog’s current project has remained under wraps since at least 2021, when he confirmed he would not direct Ragnarök* but would instead focus on a separate, unannounced game. While rumors have floated around a sci-fi setting, nothing concrete has emerged. However, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reported in mid-2025 that the project was progressing well and hinted it might feel like a fresh intellectual property—even if it’s technically tied to an existing Sony franchise.
This could mean Barlog is reviving an older PlayStation IP or crafting something entirely new, but the studio’s reluctance to share specifics suggests it’s treating this as a high-stakes bet. If the insiders are correct, players may have their first official glimpse as early as May during Sony’s next State of Play.
- Likely Announcement Window: Summer 2026 (possibly State of Play or Summer Game Fest).
- Target Release: 2027 (no confirmed month yet).
- Project Status: Active development since at least 2021, with Bloomberg confirming progress in 2025.
- Setting Speculation: Sci-fi rumors persist, but no confirmation. Could be a revival of a dormant PlayStation franchise.
- Development Team: Barlog’s group at Sony Santa Monica Studio, separate from the God of War remake trilogy.
For context, Barlog’s last directed game, God of War* (2018), took five years from announcement to release—a pace that would place this project’s launch around mid-2027, assuming a similar cycle. However, given the scale of modern AAA development, a later window isn’t out of the question.
The stakes are high. If this is a new IP, Sony is betting on Barlog’s ability to define a franchise from scratch—a rare move in an industry that often prefers sequels or remakes. If it’s a revival, it could breathe life into a forgotten property. Either way, the reveal is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the year.
Availability and pricing remain unconfirmed, as the project is still under wraps. Stay tuned for official details as the summer approaches.
