.png)
Why God of War Ragnarök Should Be the Last Cross-Gen PlayStation Exclusive
God of War Ragnarök is a masterpiece, lauded for its narrative depth, visceral gameplay, and stunning visuals. However, as incredible as the game is, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations imposed by cross-generation development. While cross-gen exclusives have played a vital role in bridging the transition between PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, the time has come for Sony to fully embrace the current-gen hardware.
Here’s why God of War Ragnarök should be the last cross-gen PlayStation exclusive.
1. The Burden of Legacy Hardware
Cross-gen games are designed to run on both old and new consoles, which often means that their design and technological ambitions are tethered to the capabilities of the older hardware. The PlayStation 4, as remarkable as it was during its prime, is nearly a decade old. Its aging hardware imposes constraints on areas such as level design, artificial intelligence, and graphical fidelity.
For Ragnarök, the PlayStation 5's SSD allowed for seamless transitions and near-instant loading, but the game was still constrained by the PlayStation 4’s slower hard drive and limited memory. Imagine how much more expansive the Nine Realms could have been if Santa Monica Studio didn't need to optimize for a last-gen console. Exclusively focusing on PS5 would unlock possibilities for larger environments, more complex NPC behaviors, and an even richer visual experience.
2. Fully Harnessing the PS5’s Potential
The PS5 is a powerhouse, offering innovations like ray tracing, 3D audio, and haptic feedback via the DualSense controller. While Ragnarök showcases these features, it only scratches the surface of what the PS5 can achieve. By moving away from cross-gen exclusives, developers can focus exclusively on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the PS5.
Next-gen exclusives like Demon’s Souls and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart demonstrate how games designed specifically for the PS5 can deliver groundbreaking experiences. The latter, for instance, used the SSD to create instant dimension-hopping gameplay that simply wouldn't work on the PS4. These kinds of innovations are what set new hardware generations apart, and they deserve to be explored fully.
3. Supporting a Growing PS5 User Base
When Ragnarök launched in 2022, it made sense to cater to the PS4’s massive install base, especially given the initial scarcity of PS5 consoles. But two years later, PS5 availability has improved dramatically, and its user base is expanding rapidly. As of 2024, over 40 million PS5s have been sold, and the demand for next-gen-only experiences is growing.
Shifting to PS5 exclusivity would not only give players a reason to invest in the new hardware but also help define the PS5 generation as distinct from its predecessor. The PS4 had its era of dominance; now, it’s time for the PS5 to take center stage.
4. Ending Cross-Gen Exclusivity Signals Progress
Sony has always thrived on pushing the envelope with each console generation. Moving beyond cross-gen exclusives would send a clear message: the focus is now entirely on the future. It allows studios to dream bigger, knowing they won’t need to compromise their vision to accommodate older systems.
This is particularly important for flagship franchises like Horizon, Spider-Man, and God of War, which are expected to set industry standards. Imagine a future God of War entry with visuals and gameplay so advanced that it could only exist on PS5—such an experience would redefine what players expect from the series.
5. The Risks of Holding On Too Long
Continuing to support the PS4 for too long risks diluting the appeal of the PS5. If major titles are still playable on older consoles, some players may see less urgency in upgrading. While this strategy may seem like a safe financial bet in the short term, it could hinder the PS5's ability to stand out as a revolutionary platform in the long term.
Moreover, it could allow competitors like Xbox and PC gaming platforms to leap ahead in delivering truly next-gen experiences. Sony has long been the gold standard for exclusive games, and leaning into PS5 exclusivity would maintain its competitive edge.
Conclusion: A Bold Leap Forward
God of War Ragnarök is a phenomenal game, but it also feels like the closing chapter of a cross-gen era. As Sony continues to lead the gaming industry, it must fully commit to harnessing the power of the PS5. This means letting go of the PS4 and dedicating resources to creating experiences that can only exist on next-gen hardware.
The future of gaming lies in pushing boundaries, exploring new gameplay paradigms, and delivering visuals and worlds that immerse players like never before. For Sony and PlayStation Studios, the time is ripe to leave legacy hardware behind and embrace the full potential of the PS5. It’s a bold step, but one that will ensure PlayStation remains at the forefront of gaming innovation.