Naughty Dog, renowned for its contribution to the gaming landscape with titles like The Last of Us, is currently involved in the development of an undisclosed game alongside their ongoing project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Notably, this new title is confirmed not to be a third installment in The Last of Us franchise. The insight comes from a gaming industry insider, who reveals that this project has been under development for approximately three years and is being directed by a prominent figure from the studio.
According to DanielRPK, a respected source in gaming news, this revelation was shared via his Patreon account (noted by The Game Post). Given that TLOU creator Neil Druckmann has suggested that The Last of Us Part 3 might not be on the horizon, the rumor aligns with his previous statements. Druckmann hinted that Ellie’s journey in the sequel could be her last. However, it’s essential to approach this report cautiously, as Naughty Dog has yet to confirm any new projects aside from Intergalactic, which is not expected to launch until at least a few years from now.
Director of The Lost Legacy Is Allegedly Leading New Game
Could This Project Revitalize the Uncharted Series?
DanielRPK has indicated that Shaun Escayg, who previously directed Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, is at the helm of this unannounced project. Escayg’s experience extends to his tenure at Crystal Dynamics, where he contributed to Marvel’s Avengers. Given Escayg’s background with Uncharted, it’s conceivable that the forthcoming project could explore new narratives within that popular universe. As fans know, the Uncharted series’ trajectory remained ambiguous after The Lost Legacy concluded the arcs of both Chloe and Nadine, concurrently sidelining Nathan Drake. This could pave the way for fresh protagonists to emerge in future games.
In the meantime, Naughty Dog is focused on the anticipated Season 2 of The Last of Us series on HBO and is diligently working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Currently, the latter is projected for a release sometime after 2026, although Naughty Dog has provided small glimpses of content, including the recent introduction of a unique skin for Ellie in the PC version of The Last of Us Part 2.
Naughty Dog: A Reputation for Meticulous Development
The Developer Prioritizes Quality Over Speed
Naughty Dog is well-known for its deliberate pace when it comes to game releases. The development of The Last of Us Part 2 spanned over five years, reflecting the studio’s dedication to quality and attention to detail. If the reports of this new project hold merit, fans should be prepared for a possibly extended wait, as it may take several more years before any new content is unveiled.
Despite the lengthy production cycles, Naughty Dog has established itself by creating groundbreaking franchises that resonate deeply with gamers and the broader entertainment industry. For instance, Uncharted has successfully transitioned into film, further enhancing its legacy with a portrayal by Tom Holland as Nathan Drake. The studio’s consistent achievements endorse the philosophy that investing time in development yields remarkable results. Consequently, should this rumored new project materialize, fans will likely find it well worth the wait.
Source: DanielRPK (paywalled), The Game Post, GameSpot