Is God of War Ragnarok Coming to Steam?
The world of gaming has been eagerly awaiting the next installment of the critically acclaimed God of War series. God of War Ragnarok, developed by Sony Santa Monica Studio, is set to be released on November 9, 2022, exclusively for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. But, fans of the series have been wondering: will God of War Ragnarok be making its way to Steam? In this article, we’ll delve into the answer to this question and provide some insights on what you can expect.
Exclusivity and PC Gamers
God of War Ragnarok is a timed exclusive for the PlayStation console family, which means that it will be available exclusively on the PS4 and PS5 for a limited time. This exclusivity period is a common practice in the gaming industry, where developers and publishers seek to generate revenue and gauge interest in their games on specific platforms before considering wider releases.
For PC gamers, this exclusivity means that they will not have access to God of War Ragnarok on Steam, at least not initially. However, there is hope that the game may make its way to PC in the future, possibly through a PC port or as part of a broader streaming service.
Sony’s Stance on PC Porting
Sony has traditionally been cautious when it comes to releasing their exclusive games on PC. In a 2020 interview with Game Informer, Shawn Layden, former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment, stated that the company "has no interest in selling our games on PC". However, this stance seems to be shifting, as Sony has recently announced its plans to release more games on PC, including a PC port of the highly successful Death Stranding.
While Sony has not officially confirmed whether God of War Ragnarok will be coming to Steam, the company’s recent shift in strategy suggests that it’s not entirely impossible. In the past, Sony has surprised fans by releasing exclusive games on PC, such as Horizon Zero Dawn and the Uncharted series.
Steam’s Growing Importance
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is the largest digital distribution platform for PC games, with over 150 million active users. The platform has become essential for PC gamers, offering a vast library of games, community features, and regular sales.
In recent years, Steam has grown in importance, with more and more developers and publishers choosing to release their games on the platform. God of War Ragnarok, as a highly anticipated title, would be a massive addition to Steam’s catalog, drawing in new players and cementing the platform’s position as the leading PC gaming destination.
Potential Release Scenarios
If God of War Ragnarok does make its way to Steam, there are a few potential release scenarios to consider:
- Timed Exclusive: The game could be released as a timed exclusive on PC, with a limited window of exclusivity before it becomes available on other platforms.
- PC Port: A PC port could be developed, allowing fans to play the game on their PC of choice, with all the usual trimmings, such as graphics options and controller support.
- Streaming Service: God of War Ragnarok could be released on a streaming service, such as Google Stadia or Microsoft xCloud, allowing players to access the game without the need for a dedicated PC or console.
- Multi-Platform Release: The game could be released simultaneously on all platforms, including PC, PS4, and PS5, allowing players to choose their preferred platform for play.
Conclusion
While there is no definitive answer on whether God of War Ragnarok will come to Steam, the chances are not entirely impossible. Sony’s recent shift in strategy, combined with the growing importance of Steam and the PC gaming market, suggest that a PC port or timed exclusive release may be on the cards.
For PC gamers, it’s worth keeping an eye on developments and staying patient, as the possibility of God of War Ragnarok making its way to Steam is still very much a possibility.
