David Jaffe Comments On God Of War: Ascension’s Multiplayer Component

David Jaffe, the charismatic game director of the original God of War, recently offered his thoughts on developer SCE Santa Monica Studios’ decision to bring multiplayer to the series for the first time with the newly announced God of War: Ascension. It’s a bold move, but only time will tell if it pays off.

Jaffe, when speaking about his general thoughts on the multiplayer, said: “I think the MP they showed for GOW looks fun. IDig putting class based FPS team design in a brawler. If it wrx it’ll play fresh. I get some peeps upset IF MP comes@expense of SP, but there’s no evidence of that so not sure why some peeps whining about it.”

When asked if he feels that budgets or effort for the single-player will be compromised by the inclusion of multiplayer, Jaffe responded by saying:

“Not saying UR wrong but a) no evidence of that at all and b) sad state of the industry(and the medium?) to assume more money to throw at a game is what makes it better.

“I’d rather have a 5 hour GOW that chose 5 hours because it allowed the game to stay fresh and be filled with meaningful storytelling-thru-gameplay moments than have a 12 hour game that is a simply filled with set piece after set piece. Would RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK or THE DARK KNIGHT be better with a longer running time or more pages? Would Tetris be better with five extra shapes?”

Jaffe also took the opportunity to issue a response to critics, saying:

“If the new GOW has a meh campaign there will- and should be- much anger. My point is: have faith in the team at least enough to give them the benefit of doubt until y’all see/play some SP. Dont you think this team has earned that?

“If a game let’s you down in anyway- and Lord knows the last TM let some folks down:(- the game makers deserve to be judged and their decisions scrutinized. But if a team feels they CAN do amazing MP and SP (aka Goldeneye, Modern Warfare) who cares if the motivation behind adding SP or MP was a business motivation The fact the game exists AT ALL is in large part a biz motivation.

“I’m not saying gamers should not be skeptical and not look4best deals4their hard earned cash. Just suggesting folks give it a chance before they jump all over one of the most talented teams in the ENTIRE GAME BIZ. Seems pretty arrogant/snobby 4gamers to act as if such a talented team- that has delivered4so long- hasn’t thought it thru. If they have not, read some reviews and then skip the game. But until that happens, I say they’ve earned our faith.”

If you haven’t already, take a look at the first gameplay footage for the game’s multiplayer.