The Last of Us Dev Kept New Game Under Wraps

Naughty Dog's CEO, Neil Druckmann, reveals the challenges of keeping their new IP under wraps, particularly amidst fan frustration over remasters and remakes. Discover his thoughts and learn more about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

The Difficulty of Secrecy

Druckmann confessed to The New York Times that keeping Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet secret for years was "really hard." He acknowledged fan concerns about the studio's focus on remasters and remakes, especially of The Last of Us, at the expense of new titles. He stated, "It’s really hard to work on these things in secret and silence for so many years...And then to see our fans go on social media and say, ‘Enough with the remasters and remakes! Where are your new games and new I.P.s?’"

Despite these concerns, the game's reveal generated significant buzz, with its announcement trailer exceeding 2 million YouTube views.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet - Naughty Dog's Latest Adventure

Naughty Dog, renowned for titles like Uncharted, Jak & Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, and The Last of Us, has unveiled its newest IP: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Initially teased in 2022, the title was trademarked by Sony Interactive Entertainment in February 2024 and officially revealed at The Game Awards.

Set in an alternate 1986 with advanced space travel, players assume the role of Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on the perilous planet Sempiria, a place shrouded in mystery and a history no one has ever returned from exploring. Jordan must use her skills and cunning to survive and potentially become the first to escape Sempiria in over 600 years.

Druckmann described the narrative as ambitious, focusing on 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 Akira (1988) and Cowboy Bebop (1990).