Cory Barlog, who directed the blockbuster PS2 action game God of War II and served as creative director on the upcoming God of War: Chains of Olympus for PSP, will soon be leaving Sony Computer Entertainment America to pursue other opportunities, 1UP.com has reported.

"We can confirm that Cory Barlog, Game Director for God of War II, is leaving the SCEA SM Studio and we are grateful for his work and creative vision for the critically acclaimed God of War franchise," a Sony spokesperson told the site.

With original God of War creator David Jaffe having left SCEA back in July to form his own studio (Eat, Sleep, Play) and now Barlog on his way out as well, one has to wonder about the future of Kratos.

The Sony spokesperson, however, did not seem concerned: "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."

It should be noted that that's actually the first time that Sony has publicly acknowledged the existence of God of War III for PS3, but a third installment in the hugely popular franchise was a given anyway.

Gamers who are concerned about the future of God of War should feel comfortable at least that there is a "master plan" already in place (as David Jaffe told us earlier this year), and that plan has no doubt been shared with the top Santa Monica team members.

God of War fans can get their next fix in March 2008 when the Ready at Dawn developed Chains of Olympus ships.

For those looking for more insight into God of War II's success, you can check out our Chart Toppers, which features a lengthy talk with Cory Barlog.