God of War Composer Bear McCreary: ‘My Work on the Series Is Complete’

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Summary

  • Composer Bear McCreary says that he feels his work on God of War is done, though he isn’t ruling out a return to help with the Amazon TV series.
  • McCreary composed the music for 2018’s God of War and 2022’s God of War Ragnarok.
  • Fans are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the popular franchise.

Bear McCreary, the composer behind the music for God of War, looked back on his previous work in the series. Known for his significant contributions to films and television, he has worked on projects such as Battlestar Galactica, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and more recently, God of War (2018) and its sequel God of War Ragnarok (2022), as well as Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021).

In the eyes of numerous enthusiasts, Bear McCreary’s music played a significant role in making the Norse-inspired God of War series feel grand and emotionally resonant. His powerful vocals and dramatic instrumentals beautifully depicted Kratos’ rage while also highlighting his transformation into a more enlightened individual, striving to improve for the sake of his son Atreus. The soundtrack for God of War Ragnarok won the accolades for Best Score and Music at The Game Awards 2022. McCreary even performed the track “Blood Upon the Snow” live alongside Irish folk artist Hozier during the ceremony. Additionally, McCreary made a brief appearance in Ragnarok as Raeb, a Dwarven musician.

McCreary recently chatted with VGC for an upcoming podcast commemorating the 20th anniversary of God of War. During their conversation, the composer shared that he had recently attended the God of War 20th Anniversary Retrospective Gallery along with other artists who have worked on the series. He expressed how his music score for the God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC provided a sense of “conclusion” not only to Kratos’s journey, but also his personal involvement in the franchise. “My work, from E3 2016 up until Valhalla, feels wrapped up. I feel fulfilled. I feel like I narrated a tale,” he conveyed.

Bear McCreary Feels His Work on God of War Is ‘Complete’

In other words, although McCreary didn’t definitively commit to it, he left open the possibility of rejoining the God of War universe for Amazon’s upcoming live-action TV series. He mentioned that if the producers want him to work on the show’s music, they have his contact information ready. As stated by showrunner Ronald Moore, who has previously collaborated with McCreary on Battlestar Galactica, Amazon has already greenlit two seasons for the God of War series, potentially offering McCreary ample opportunities should he decide to contribute.

With the conclusion of Kratos’ journey, it seems my involvement, from E3 2016 up until Valhalla, has reached its full circle. I feel fulfilled. I feel as if I’ve written a chapter in his story.

Currently, Sony is launching a special 13-disc vinyl collection (limited edition) showcasing music spanning the entire God of War series, including McCreary’s compositions from Kratos’ recent Norse tale. This move is part of Sony’s strategy to honor the 20th anniversary of God of War, and whispers hint at a potential new installment where Kratos returns to his original Greek environment. Yet, fans may not receive any formal confirmation regarding this upcoming game during the God of War anniversary celebration, as Santa Monica Studio has reportedly no fresh announcements scheduled for that event.

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2025-04-14 19:18