Why did Kratos get shorter?

Kratos, the iconic protagonist of the God of War series, has undergone significant changes throughout the years—not just in terms of character development and storytelling, but also physically. Players have noticed that Kratos looks noticeably shorter in the 2018 God of War and God of War Ragnarok compared to earlier games in the franchise, where he was portrayed as towering and more imposing. But why did the developers at Santa Monica Studio decide to make Kratos shorter in these latest installments?

1. A Shift in Tone and Setting

The most significant reason for Kratos’ physical change lies in the shift of the game's setting and overall tone. In the earlier God of War titles, especially those set in Greek mythology, Kratos was portrayed as an unstoppable force of nature—bigger, bolder, and more brutal. His large, muscular physique mirrored his unrelenting rage and combat prowess.

However, in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok, the game transitions to Norse mythology, with a more grounded and emotional story that explores Kratos as a father. The team wanted to present Kratos not as a god of rage, but as a father figure trying to guide and protect his son, Atreus. This change in narrative focus influenced the design decisions, including the physical representation of Kratos.

By making Kratos slightly shorter, the developers were able to make him appear less intimidating and more relatable. He was no longer just a god slayer; he was a father trying to teach his son life lessons and dealing with his own emotional turmoil.

2. The Aging Process and Character Development

Another reason for Kratos’ change in stature is that time has passed. In the earlier God of War games, Kratos was at the peak of his physical power, having been through countless battles in Greek mythology. However, by the time of God of War (2018), Kratos has aged. He has lived through the consequences of his past actions, and the events of the first games have taken a toll on his body and mind.

Kratos' physical appearance in the new games reflects his aging process. The decision to make him shorter and more weathered aligns with the themes of maturity and reflection on past mistakes that are central to God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok. Kratos is no longer just the angry warrior of old—he’s a battle-worn, wiser version of himself, burdened by the loss and responsibility of his past.

3. A More Humanized Kratos

The physical changes to Kratos also serve to humanize him. In earlier games, Kratos’ massive size was meant to make him appear god-like and almost indestructible. But in God of War (2018), the developers wanted to show a Kratos who is more vulnerable and conflicted. His change in appearance, including his shorter stature, allows him to appear more relatable to players, giving him a sense of frailty and depth that wasn’t there before.

The portrayal of Kratos as a father who must guide his son through difficult choices, coupled with his physical appearance, makes him more human. Instead of simply being an imposing force, Kratos is now a figure who struggles with guilt, responsibility, and love. This change helps players connect with the character on a deeper emotional level.

4. The Influence of Norse Mythology

The developers also considered the mythology they were drawing inspiration from. In Norse mythology, gods are often portrayed as more grounded and less physically dominant than their Greek counterparts. While Kratos remains a powerful figure in God of War’s Norse setting, he is also portrayed with more humility, in keeping with the traditions of Norse gods who are both powerful and fallible.

This more grounded approach to Kratos’ design and character was in line with the new setting, where characters like Thor, Odin, and Freya are not necessarily towering giants, but beings with great influence and power. Kratos' new size helps to fit into this more nuanced world of gods who are not all-knowing or invincible, but rather complex beings with their own strengths and weaknesses.

5. Technology and Animation

Another contributing factor to Kratos’ change in size could be advancements in animation and technology. The team at Santa Monica Studio was able to create a much more expressive and detailed Kratos in God of War (2018) using new technology. The emphasis shifted from brute strength to emotional expression. A slightly shorter, more compact Kratos allowed for better movement, more fluid animations, and a greater emphasis on his facial expressions. This choice also gave the team the ability to showcase Kratos' emotional depth as a father, which was a central theme in both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok.

Conclusion: A Reflective and Evolving Kratos

Kratos’ physical change in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok was a deliberate decision by the developers to reflect his personal growth, the shift in the game's narrative, and the tone of Norse mythology. By making Kratos shorter, Santa Monica Studio humanized the character and showcased his aging process, emotional struggles, and transition from a god of war to a father figure.

This change in his appearance allows players to see Kratos in a new light—not just as an unstoppable force, but as a vulnerable, emotional, and relatable character. This more grounded portrayal of Kratos not only fits with the themes of the game but also helps to make his journey as a father more impactful for players.

As Kratos continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the character develops in future titles, both physically and emotionally, as he faces new challenges alongside his son, Atreus