Why video game God of War Sons of Sparta is a ‘coming of age’ for Mega Cat Studios
The retro 2D God of War prequel for PS5 is nostalgic and fan-driven – and marks a new triumph for the studio behind it
With more than 66 million units sold since the God of War series debuted on Sony PlayStation 2 in 2005, the opportunity to transform the modern gaming classic into a retro, 2D, side-scrolling, Metroidvania-style prequel marked a new triumph and challenge for Mega Cat Studios.
“The coming-of-age story isn’t just in the game, it’s a coming of age for Mega Cat,” says co-founder and CEO James Deighan. “Crossing these thresholds has been definitely surreal – so fulfilling on so many levels. And it really does feel like we’re just getting started.”
A 400-person development team – from Mega Cat’s headquarters to recently bought spaces in Laguna, in the Philippines, and Florianopolis, Brazil – contributed to the game in a day-and-night cycle that has become a common industry workflow over years of development.
“The Philippines is like a second home to me at this point,” says Deighan, noting he made industry connections through four of the company’s original Pittsburgh hires. “I have lifelong friends there, and the team members in the Philippines are just the same as the team members in Pittsburgh. They’re part of the family.”