God of War II director leaves SCEA

Cory Barlog, the director behind SCEA Santa Monica Studio’s God of War II, has left the firm, it has been confirmed.

"We can confirm that Cory Barlog, game director for God of War II, is leaving the SCEA Santa Monica Studio and we are grateful for his work and creative vision for the critically acclaimed God of War franchise," a Sony spokesperson told 1UP.

However, fans of the series will be buoyed by the official confirmation that work is underway on a PS3 installment in the series.

"Moving forward, we are confident in the God of War team, as they are an extremely talented group of people that are passionate about the franchise and dedicated to creating even more epic content with God of War: Chains of Olympus for the PSP and God of War III for PS3."

PSP title God of War: Chains of Olympus is currently nearing the end of its development at Ready at Dawn Studios, and is due for release in Q1 2008.