In a not-so-surprising move, God of War 3 will be developed for the Playstation 3. This comes on the heels of GoW 2′s amazing successes earlier in the year on the PS2, which has propelled the action series to the top of the Sony gaming world.

God of War 2 is considered by many to be the best Playstation 2 game ever, and it is reasonable to think that the third installment looks even better on paper — 1080p, sixaxis, digital audio, etc.

But Sony is going forward on God of War 3 without two of the top names behind the success of God of War 2.

Cory Barlog, who directed God of War 2, is out and no longer works for Sony Computer Entertainment America’s Santa Monica division. “We are grateful for his work and creative vision for the critically acclaimed God of War franchise,” SCEA said in a statement.

Also seemingly missing from the equation will be David Jaffe, who was the creative director of the God of War Series. The industry vet also has the Twisted Metal Playstation franchise on his resume, according to his blog. Jaffe went independent. His new studio, Eat Sleep Play, is working on a PSP port of Twisted Metal, Gamespot reported recently.

With the loss of Jaffe and the big-mouthed yet highly talented Barlog, suddenly the success of God of War 3 goes from a sure thing to a potential question mark.