God of War is a media franchise created by David Jaffe and developed by Santa Monica Studio. It centers around the character Kratos, a Spartan warrior who seeks revenge against the Greek gods after they betray him. The franchise began in 2005 with the release of the first God of War game for the PlayStation 2 console. This game, which was a critical and commercial success, established the series' signature gameplay and narrative style, featuring fast-paced combat, epic boss battles, and a gripping story of betrayal and redemption. The God of War franchise has released several follow-up games, which have expanded upon the series' mythology and gameplay mechanics, and have continued to tell Kratos' story as he battles various gods and monsters across different pantheons and time periods. The franchise has also spawned various spin-off games, merchandise, and other media. It is known for its intense action, immersive gameplay, and epic storytelling, and has a dedicated fan base.