The Last of Us Developer Says It Was Hard To Keep Its New Game A Secret

Naughty Dog's New IP: The Challenge of Secrecy and Fan Expectations

Maintaining secrecy around Naughty Dog's latest project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, proved exceptionally difficult for CEO Neil Druckmann. This challenge was amplified by fan frustration over the studio's focus on remasters and remakes, particularly of The Last of Us, with a perceived lack of new IP.

The Difficulty of Silent Development

Druckmann confessed to the New York Times the significant strain of years spent developing in secrecy. He acknowledged the online criticism from fans demanding new games and original intellectual property, stating that working silently for so long was "really hard." Despite these concerns, the game's reveal at The Game Awards generated considerable excitement, garnering over 2 million YouTube views for its announcement trailer.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet - A New Frontier for Naughty Dog

Known for acclaimed franchises like Uncharted, Jak & Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, and The Last of Us, Naughty Dog expands its portfolio with Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Initially teased in 2022, the title was trademarked by Sony Interactive Entertainment in February 2024 before its official unveiling.

Set in an alternate 1986 with advanced space travel, players assume the role of Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on the enigmatic planet Sempiria. Its perilous history has claimed countless explorers, and Jordan must utilize her skills to survive and potentially become the first to return in over 600 years.

Druckmann described the narrative as ambitious, revolving around a fictional religion and the consequences of faith in various institutions. He also highlighted the game's return to Naughty Dog's action-adventure roots, drawing inspiration from classics like Akira (1988) and Cowboy Bebop (1990).