Cory Barlog appointed Head of Creative at Santa Monica Studio

Santa Monica Studio has named Cory Barlog Head of Creative. In the new role, Barlog will guide the long-term vision for the God of War series and collaborate with game directors across multiple projects.

The studio confirmed the appointment on X, saying the position involves working with game directors and overseeing the series as a whole rather than serving as the direct lead on a single title.

Ariel Lawrence has been named Game Director for Laufey, the studio’s newly announced entry in the franchise. Lawrence will handle day-to-day direction on Laufey while Barlog provides broader guidance across projects.

Under the studio’s description, Barlog will act as a creative steward, supporting directors responsible for individual titles and helping shape the franchise’s future direction. The announcement clarified leadership roles as development on Laufey progresses.

The studio wrote on X: “Cory is the Head of Creative at Santa Monica Studio, this involves working with game directors like Ariel Lawrence and guiding the long-term vision for all games in the series.”

Barlog has been closely associated with recent entries in the God of War franchise. The studio’s reorganization places him in a leadership role overseeing multiple projects while individual game directors lead specific titles.