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The Art of God of War
It is a new beginning for Kratos. Living as a man, outside the shadow of the gods, he seeks solitude in the unfamiliar lands of Norse mythology. With new purpose and his son at his side, Kratos must fight for survival as powerful forces threaten to disrupt the new life he has created.
An intimate chronicle of the years-long odyssey to bring Kratos and Atreus's beautiful and brutal world to life.
Step into Midgard and explore beyond, as Dark Horse Books and Santa Monica Studio proudly present the quintessential companion to the enormously anticipated God of War. This is a document unlike any other that sets readers on an exhaustive behind-the-scenes journey to witness the creation of an epic of tremendous scale.
An intimate chronicle of the years-long odyssey to bring Kratos and Atreus's beautiful and brutal world to life.
Step into Midgard and explore beyond, as Dark Horse Books and Santa Monica Studio proudly present the quintessential companion to the enormously anticipated God of War. This is a document unlike any other that sets readers on an exhaustive behind-the-scenes journey to witness the creation of an epic of tremendous scale.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2018
24 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Sony Interactive Entertainment
2 books2 followersSony Interactive Entertainment LLC is an American multinational video game and digital entertainment company that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the central hub for the American businesses under the Japanese conglomerate Sony Corporation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 1, 2025
Excellent look at the art development of what to me became a phenomenal game with a helluva story to tell. Beating all of the optional Valkyries remains a point of pride for myself. The art itself is superb.
June 26, 2018
Of course I loved the game! But would the extra money spent on buying the art book worth it? Every cent, sir. Every cent.
The Art of God of War is a graphic love letter of Santa Monica studios to all the fans who absolutely loved playing the game and also to themselves. It chronicles how the art progressed from the time it was conceived to the final touches and even to a place which cannot be accessed in the actual game. This book is a concrete evidence on how much time and artistry they have given a masterpiece, a literary behind-the-scenes documentary for those who wanted more than just playing the game.
God of War isn't even my all-time (PS4) favorite game. That belongs to Doom. But I was disappointed with Doom's "The Art of" book because there is one thing it failed to deliver that GoW Art Book succeeded:
The Art of GoW made the readers feel how much passion they gave to creating the game. It is more than a showcase of talent, but a testament on their perseverance and grit in making a game that will be remembered for a long time.
The Art of God of War is a graphic love letter of Santa Monica studios to all the fans who absolutely loved playing the game and also to themselves. It chronicles how the art progressed from the time it was conceived to the final touches and even to a place which cannot be accessed in the actual game. This book is a concrete evidence on how much time and artistry they have given a masterpiece, a literary behind-the-scenes documentary for those who wanted more than just playing the game.
God of War isn't even my all-time (PS4) favorite game. That belongs to Doom. But I was disappointed with Doom's "The Art of" book because there is one thing it failed to deliver that GoW Art Book succeeded:
The Art of GoW made the readers feel how much passion they gave to creating the game. It is more than a showcase of talent, but a testament on their perseverance and grit in making a game that will be remembered for a long time.
January 14, 2023
Another excellent art book from the fine folk at Dark Horse comics. By this point DH have nailed the flow of these books. That said I do wish we had a little more writing to go with the excellent pictures. I would love to know how the developers landed on certain aspects of the game but what’s featured here is still excellent.
4/5.
4/5.
March 7, 2020
There's so much detail, so much work put on this video game masterpiece, it analyzes the thought process behind every choice of object/scenery/outfit/character they had to create in order to make it look as realistic and accurate to the Norse mythology as they had planned initially. Definitely is it worth it, I recommend this artbook to every art lover even if they haven't played the game, and those who love they game and are eager to learn more about it. I was all over this book for the past two days, now my brain is full of Norse gods and mythological monsters...
October 9, 2022
В наближенні до виходу гри God of war: Ragnarok у мене з'явилась дика ностальгія по світу гри God of war. Пройшов у новій грі+, переглянув фільм "Плекання Кратоса", тепер прийшла черга артбука.
Шикарні ілюстрації та концепь арти. Ранні світу та герої. Невеличкий опис що хотіли показати автори тими чи іншими локаціями. Особливо порадував концепт-арт валькірій.
Шикарні ілюстрації та концепь арти. Ранні світу та герої. Невеличкий опис що хотіли показати автори тими чи іншими локаціями. Особливо порадував концепт-арт валькірій.
May 7, 2023
This was my first time reading an art book on my PS5, and the developer commentary was fantastic. Getting in-depth knowledge of how ideas work and how they're made into a final product was awesome. You should definitely buy this on your PS5 or PS4 console since the commentary it's so worth it.
February 18, 2020
A beautiful look at the detail, artistry and passion that was put into creating one of the best interactive experiences ever created - pushing the limits on what a video game has the potential to be.
July 17, 2019
A great companion to a masterpiece!
God of war is a great looking game! This book gets into the details of the development process for location and level design with concept art, along with descriptions of the reasoning behind the choices that the team made. The passion that Santa Monica Studio has for the franchise shows in the little details they've put into even the seemingly trivial parts of the game. Huge respect for the devs and artists. Highly recommended for fans of the game who'd like to understand more about the process that went into bringing the game to life.
God of war is a great looking game! This book gets into the details of the development process for location and level design with concept art, along with descriptions of the reasoning behind the choices that the team made. The passion that Santa Monica Studio has for the franchise shows in the little details they've put into even the seemingly trivial parts of the game. Huge respect for the devs and artists. Highly recommended for fans of the game who'd like to understand more about the process that went into bringing the game to life.
January 9, 2020
Fantastic artwork, but I would have liked more actual content explaining the thoughts and processes. How was it decided that Kratos would use an axe, and eventually get his dual blades back, how did the engine of the game help or hinder art development? Some input from the programmers as well as the artists would have helped.
That said, it was a very good book. Lots and lots of amazing artwork!
That said, it was a very good book. Lots and lots of amazing artwork!
December 11, 2023
I have had a bit of a hyperfixation with art books for games and hobbies since...forever. From the many beautiful Warhammer/ 40K/ Horus Heresy books, through little bonus concept art books accompanying certain editions of video games, to the full gorgeousness of the Dark Souls Collected Visions. So when I say this is absolutely up there with the ridiculous tomes from FromSoftware, and might even be my personal favourite due to the detail, organisation and insight into the creative process on display.
The artwork is mind-blowing, obviously, but the way the bitesize information relating it to the creative process of the game, and the delineate segments seriously elevate this art book. It's incredible to see the disparate designs and how they were refined and brought together under one cohesive creative vision and living, breathing realms.
If you like art books, making ofs, and God of War, I can't recommend this enough. I've played the game so many times at this point, but taking in this gloriousness is making me need to returns to the realms.
The artwork is mind-blowing, obviously, but the way the bitesize information relating it to the creative process of the game, and the delineate segments seriously elevate this art book. It's incredible to see the disparate designs and how they were refined and brought together under one cohesive creative vision and living, breathing realms.
If you like art books, making ofs, and God of War, I can't recommend this enough. I've played the game so many times at this point, but taking in this gloriousness is making me need to returns to the realms.
May 13, 2018
A beautifully illustrated book that explores the intricate amount of detail that the creative team put into making this game world feel lived in, yet also fantastical. All of the designs, from the vast landscapes to the mythic beasts that inhabit them look like they belong within the ancient Nordic stories that inspired this God installment. Every realm is distinct and has it's own unique color pallet to help distinguish them from one another. There are many great landscape paintings as well as many detailed pictures of characters, weapons, and tools that are featured in the game. Plenty of insightful snippets of how the artists decided on what worked best and how various character designs and environments evolved throughout development. This book is highly recommended to anyone that loves God of War, Norse Mythology, and desires to see the inner process of how it all came together.
June 21, 2018
I love these "Art of..." books. Particularly when it's from such a beautiful looking game as God of War.
From the world, the characters, the creatures, buildings, weapons and the monsters everything is covered in an extensive amount of detail.
This is a giant picture book and it's awesome. I would have liked a bit more information on the creative team's thought process, I mean it's there but it mostly makes way for the art. I can't fault anyone for that but it would have been nice to read more about the behind the scenes thinking.
This is one of those occasions where it's fair to judge a book by it's cover. Like I say with all of these type of books, if you love the game and have an interest in the amazing art of the world, check it out.
From the world, the characters, the creatures, buildings, weapons and the monsters everything is covered in an extensive amount of detail.
This is a giant picture book and it's awesome. I would have liked a bit more information on the creative team's thought process, I mean it's there but it mostly makes way for the art. I can't fault anyone for that but it would have been nice to read more about the behind the scenes thinking.
This is one of those occasions where it's fair to judge a book by it's cover. Like I say with all of these type of books, if you love the game and have an interest in the amazing art of the world, check it out.
November 24, 2018
God of War ha sido, sin duda, mi juego favorito de 2018. Llevaba tiempo pensando en comprarme este libro de arte, así que cuando lo he visto en la tienda no he podido aguantarme las ganas. No me arrepiento jajaja Dejando a un lado las ilustraciones y concepts arts (que son una pasada), me ha parecido muy interesante lo que cuenta. Cómo decidieron la estética del juego, en qué se inspiraban, los problemas que se encontraron al diseñar entornos y personajes... Una "lectura" muy recomendada para todos los amantes de la ilustración y de esta saga.
February 2, 2021
Absorbing and dripping with atmosphere. One of the best art books out there and for one of the greatest video games in recent years. This is a marvelous collection of paintings inspired by Norse myth and the creative process behind each concept is explained in detail. Makes me really want to play the game again.
May 2, 2025
Despite not being a huge GoW fan, I absolutely love seeing concept art from games to appreciate the care & detail the artists and devs put into it.
From character design to creature designs or even environmental designs, and more. There is so much into this book and honestly great for: game lovers, art lovers, and those who want to study how a game can go from conceptualizing -> finalization.
From character design to creature designs or even environmental designs, and more. There is so much into this book and honestly great for: game lovers, art lovers, and those who want to study how a game can go from conceptualizing -> finalization.
December 3, 2025
This book is an epic journey of fantasy art. From the valley of concept, moodboard, sketches and drafts to the high peak of highly detail 3D rendering, scupture. Brief but important info about the level design process, character design etc. Well balance between Celtic pre-Viking culture and the Fantasy legacy of GOW franchise.
Well done SantaMonica Studio!
10/10 GOTY 2018
Well done SantaMonica Studio!
10/10 GOTY 2018
May 27, 2018
A wonderful companion to the game. The depths that the artists/creative team goes to bringing these things to life. I would pay the price of this book again just to see what they left of the cutting room floor. I imagine the artwork to be substantial.
May 20, 2018
Typically excellent art book from Dark Horse
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June 21, 2019Unglaublich schöne Designs!
March 7, 2020
I love the concept art present in this book, but I truly hoped to have more to read about the artists' thinking and their process.
May 27, 2020
God of War is one of the greatest video games I've ever played. This book goes beyond just concept art, and provides a look into the entire creation process of the game.
June 27, 2022
Awesome art and concept book. It gives insight into the decisions that went into how locations and characters were designed. A great addition to an amazing game.
December 10, 2022
An art book for one of my favorite games. Easy 5/5 from me!
February 3, 2023
A great look behind the scenes into the design of the game. Would highly recommend for any fan of God of War.
December 21, 2023
I just got around reading the art of the game. I am a few years too late, but either way, it was awesome to see the art!
Now, on to part 2!
Now, on to part 2!
July 24, 2019
I love it 💙
April 3, 2023
The Art of God of War is an absolute masterpiece. As a fan of the God of War franchise, I was blown away by the stunning artwork and detailed commentary that this book offers. The illustrations are breathtaking, with incredible attention to detail and a real sense of mood and atmosphere. The concept art and sketches give a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, and it's amazing to see how the characters, creatures, and landscapes of the game were brought to life.
But what really sets this book apart is the commentary. The insights from the development team provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of God of War, from the early brainstorming sessions to the final touches on the game. The interviews and anecdotes give a real sense of the passion and dedication that went into creating this masterpiece.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Art of God of War to anyone who loves the game or appreciates great artwork. It's a fantastic addition to any fan's collection, and it's a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of the development team. This book truly deserves 5 stars.
But what really sets this book apart is the commentary. The insights from the development team provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of God of War, from the early brainstorming sessions to the final touches on the game. The interviews and anecdotes give a real sense of the passion and dedication that went into creating this masterpiece.
Overall, I would highly recommend The Art of God of War to anyone who loves the game or appreciates great artwork. It's a fantastic addition to any fan's collection, and it's a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of the development team. This book truly deserves 5 stars.
September 4, 2020
It's a Must for the long-time fans and whoever is even remotely interested in both Norse mythology and video game design.
February 20, 2024
Okay but why did the comment that things really clicked when they saw the world with Atreus's sense of wonder get me crying, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews