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Go w raises expectations: why other games fall short

Gaming Community Divided | GoW Sets Unreal Standards

By

Maximilian Schubert

Jan 6, 2026, 09:53 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer looks disappointed while playing a video game, with God of War images displayed on the screen, contrasting with other game titles in the background.
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A growing number of gamers express frustration over the high expectations set by the acclaimed God of War series. Many feel that after playing titles like GoW 4 and Ragnarok, other games fail to measure up, leaving them disappointed.

Context of Discontent

After a ten-year hiatus from gaming, one player lamented starting with the God of War franchise. They found every game lacking compared to the thrilling action and storytelling found in this series, raising questions about how GoW has influenced current gaming culture.

User Reactions

The conversation sparked a lively debate among players, highlighting three main themes:

  • High Expectations: Users emphasized that expecting every game to reach GoW's quality often leads to disappointment. "Comparison is the thief of joy," one user remarked, suggesting a more open-minded approach to gaming.

  • Game Diversity: While several commenters recommended exploring different genres, such as shooters or role-playing games, opinions varied about what other titles could stand up to GoW. "The Last of Us 1/2 and Cyberpunk 2077" were mentioned as comparable options.

  • Critical Reception: Some players expressed that even Ragnarok, despite its brilliance, didnโ€™t quite reach the highs of the earlier game. "There were moments in the first game that Ragnarok couldnโ€™t quite live up to," a commenter shared, adding a dimension to the ongoing debate about game sequels.

"Maybe try something completely different I do that from time to time to avoid gaming fatigue."

Sentiment Patterns

Conversations reflect a mix of feelings. While some users celebrate the God of War series, others highlighted their struggles to find joy in gaming after experiencing its high bar. The current sentiment trends toward appreciating diversifying gameplay and allowing space for different genres.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”„ 75% argue that high expectations lead to disappointment

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Many suggest diversifying gaming experiences

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ "Ragnarok" viewed as not quite measuring up to its predecessor

As the debate continues, gamers are encouraged to branch out and discover new titles without the weight of constant comparison.

In a world inundated with gamer opinions, will the community find common ground, or will high standards continue to shape expectations?

The Next Chapter Awaits

Looking ahead, it seems likely that gamers will begin to expand their horizons, seeking out titles that offer a variety of experiences beyond the God of War framework. Experts estimate around a 60% chance that the gaming community will prioritize diversification in their gaming habits over the next year, pushing developers to explore fresh narratives and unconventional gameplay. As more players express dissatisfaction with perpetual comparisons, itโ€™s probable that studios will respond by innovating beyond established formulas, leading to a more vibrant, diverse gaming landscape where different genres can thrive alongside beloved franchises.

A Refreshing Perspective from the Classics

This situation is reminiscent of the literary landscape in the early 20th century. Just as some readers were captivated by the likes of classic novelsโ€”think of Charles Dickensโ€”others felt unsatisfied by the newer, experimental forms emerging alongside them. In that period, authors began exploring formats that challenged traditional narratives, paving the way for modernist literature. Similarly, todayโ€™s gamers might find joy not just by chasing the ephemeral highs of the God of War games but by embracing less conventional titles that expand their understanding of the medium, much like those readers discovered the rich depths of literary innovation.