After spending over a decade working with Sony Santa Monica, God of War and Ragnarok art director, Rafael Grassetti has decided to part ways with the studio. The veteran developer announced his departure via Twitter, expressing gratitude towards the team and fans for their support during his 11-year tenure at the company.
Grassetti joined Sony Santa Monica in 2010 and played an instrumental role in shaping the visuals of the critically acclaimed and commercial success God of War (2018). As the art director, he oversaw the development of the game's characters, environments, and overall visual aesthetic. Under his creative leadership, the title garnered multiple Game of the Year awards and solidified his reputation as a top-tier talent in the gaming industry.
The Brazilian artist also contributed to the highly anticipated sequel, God of War: Ragnarok. The new chapter in the series is expected to bring the Norse mythology-inspired tale to an epic conclusion and push the limits of what's possible on the PlayStation 5 platform. While Grassetti's departure occurs before the release of Ragnarok, his impact on the game's visual identity will likely be prominently featured.
As for his future endeavors, Grassetti has yet to reveal any specific plans. However, his Twitter announcement expressed excitement for upcoming projects and a desire to continue creating. Given his extensive portfolio and accomplishments, it's likely that he will find numerous opportunities to contribute to high-profile games or explore his own creative projects in other mediums.
Rafael Grassetti's departure from Sony Santa Monica signifies the end of an era for both the veteran developer and the God of War franchise. However, his lasting influence on the games he worked on will continue to resonate with fans and the industry at large. It's only a matter of time until Grassetti's next creative venture is unveiled, and we all look forward to witnessing his continued evolution as an artist and storyteller.