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Domino’s Pizza Slams ‘God of War Laufey’ for Benching Kratos as Santa Monica Studios Responds

June 4, 2026  ·
  Marvin Montanaro
An image from God of War Laufey and a pair of X posts from Domino's and Santa Monica Studios

An image from God of War Laufey and a pair of X posts from Domino's and Santa Monica Studios - PlayStation; X

When a pizza company ends up at the center of a gaming controversy, you know something unusual is happening. That’s exactly what unfolded this week after Domino’s Pizza UK took a shot at Sony Santa Monica’s upcoming God of War Laufey, a game that has already sparked significant debate among longtime fans due to the absence of Kratos as the playable lead.

The social media exchange quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and putting renewed attention on one of the biggest questions surrounding Sony’s next major PlayStation release: Why move forward with a mainline God of War game without the character who built the franchise?

The conversation started when Domino’s UK responded to footage from God of War Laufey with a simple joke.

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“God of War game with no Kratos = Pepperoni Passion with no pepperoni.”

The comparison immediately connected with many fans who have voiced concerns ever since Sony revealed that Kratos would not be the central character in the game.

Rather than letting the comment pass, Sony Santa Monica responded directly.

“ok thanks for the feedback, dominos pizza corporate account,” they said.

The reply generated plenty of attention on its own, but it also had the unintended effect of extending the conversation surrounding Kratos’ removal from the spotlight.

The Debate Around ‘God of War Laufey’ Isn’t Going Away

The reason Domino’s comment spread so quickly is because it addressed the exact concern many players have been discussing since the game’s reveal.

For most gamers, God of War and Kratos are inseparable.

The character has been the face of the franchise since the original game launched in 2005, appearing in every major installment while evolving from an angry antihero into one of PlayStation’s most recognizable icons.

That’s why the reveal of God of War Laufey caught so many people off guard.

Faye unconscious in God of War Laufey

A scene from God of War Laufey – PlayStation

READ: PlayStation Benches Kratos — His Wife Faye Takes Over as Main Character in ‘God of War Laufey’

Sony has confirmed the title is a major continuation of the franchise rather than a side project or spin-off, yet Kratos has been replaced by his wife Laufey—also known as Faye—as the central protagonist.

For some players, it feels like PlayStation is sidelining the very character audiences show up to see.

Sony Finds Itself Facing Familiar Criticism

The reaction to God of War Laufey has also reignited broader conversations taking place throughout the gaming industry.

Many players have pointed to a growing number of major franchises that have shifted away from established male protagonists in recent years. Sony has been at the center of several of those discussions.

The Last of Us Part II dramatically changed the focus of its story after Joel’s controversial exit from the narrative. Ghost of Yōtei moves beyond Jin Sakai following the success of Ghost of Tsushima.

Faye channeling magic in God of War Laufey

A scene from God of War Laufey – PlayStation

Now God of War is entering a similar conversation.

Whether fans view those decisions positively or negatively, the pattern has become impossible for many gamers to ignore.

That context helps explain why a joke from a fast-food company gained so much traction. The comment wasn’t creating a new criticism. It was amplifying a critique that already existed.

A Social Media Win for Domino’s

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the exchange is how effectively Domino’s managed to seize control of the conversation.

Instead of discussions centering on gameplay mechanics, story details, or technical improvements, much of the online conversation shifted toward Kratos’ absence and Sony’s response.

Kratos and the cover for God of War: Laufey

Kratos and the cover for God of War: Laufey – PlayStation

The pizza chain’s original post generated millions of impressions, while countless users piled on with memes, jokes, and commentary.

For Domino’s, it was a social media victory.

For Sony, it was another reminder that many fans remain unconvinced by the decision to move forward without the franchise’s most recognizable figure.

Ultimately, Sales Will Decide

At the end of the day, social media reactions only tell part of the story.

If God of War Laufey delivers a compelling experience, strong reviews, and impressive sales numbers, many of today’s criticisms could fade into the background.

Gaming history is full of titles that overcame skepticism and won players over after release.

The villains of God of War Laufey

A scene from God of War Laufey – PlayStation

However, the viral exchange between Domino’s and Sony Santa Monica demonstrates that questions surrounding Kratos’ absence remain front and center.

Fans aren’t simply talking about the gameplay trailer.

They’re talking about the direction of the franchise itself.

And until players finally get their hands on God of War Laufey, that debate is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Do you think Sony made the right decision putting Faye at the center of the next God of War game, or should Kratos have remained the lead? Let us know in the comments below.

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Author: Marvin Montanaro
Marvin Montanaro is the Editor-in-Chief of That Park Place and a seasoned entertainment journalist with nearly two decades of experience across multiple digital media outlets and print publications. He joined That Park Place in 2024, bringing with him a passion for theme parks, pop culture, and film commentary. Based in Orlando, Florida, Marvin regularly visits Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, offering firsthand reporting and analysis from the parks. He’s also the creative force behind The M4 Empire YouTube channel, bringing a critical eye toward the world of pop culture. Montanaro’s insights are rooted in years of real-world reporting and editorial leadership. He can be reached via email at mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com SOCIAL MEDIA: X: http://x.com/marvinmontanaro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinmontanaro Facebook: https://facebook.com/marvinmontanaro YouTube: http://YouTube.com/TheM4Empire Email: mmontanaro@thatparkplace.com