God of War director leaving Sony

Sony Computer Entertainment America has confirmed that God of War director Cory Barlog is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

The God of War franchise has become a fan-favourite since its release on the PlayStation 2 in 2005. Sony has also revealed that its Santa Monica studio is currently working on God of War III for the PlayStation 3.

"We can confirm that Cory Barlog, game director for God of War II, is leaving the SCEA SM Studios and we are grateful for his work and creative vision for the critically acclaimed God of War franchise," said a spokesperson for Sony, speaking to consumer site 1UP.

"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."

The next release in the action-adventure franchise will be the PSP game, due for release in March 2008.