Naughty Dog has been actively engaged in the development of its upcoming project, as confirmed multiple times by studio head Neil Druckmann. The studio, known for its Uncharted series, last released an original title with The Last of Us Part 2 in 2020. Since then, it has remastered a pair of Uncharted games, created a remake of The Last of Us from 2013, and provided a remaster of the sequel. Although specifics about the next game remain undisclosed, an industry insider hints that it could emphasize player autonomy.
Emphasis on Player Freedom
This insight comes from Ben Hanson, founder of the independent gaming media outlet MinnMax, who indicated last week that Naughty Dog’s anticipated unannounced title may offer “a lot of player freedom.” While he did not elaborate on how this freedom would manifest within gameplay, Hanson’s comments imply a potential shift in direction for the Sony-owned studio away from its traditional, tightly scripted narratives that typically guide players through a linear experience.
According to Hanson, a well-informed source revealed that the next project is likely to surprise players. The source drew comparisons between the in-progress title and existing games that promote greater freedom, a detail Hanson shared during a recent episode of The MinnMax Show.
Naughty Dog released The Last of Us Part 1, a remake of 2013’s The Last of Us, in 2022.
Photo Credit: Sony/ Naughty Dog
Druckmann’s Vision for New Directions
Although details about Naughty Dog’s projects remain scarce, this speculation aligns with Druckmann’s expressed interests in game design. In a January 2023 interview with The Washington Post, the co-president of Naughty Dog mentioned his growing fascination with games that convey their narratives through exploration and environmental storytelling rather than strictly linear plots.
“I’m increasingly intrigued by games like Elden Ring and Inside, which don’t rely heavily on conventional narratives to convey their stories,” Druckmann stated. He noted that while significant storytelling exists in cinematics, much can also be found through gameplay and spatial awareness.
Additionally, Druckmann has indicated that the studio is pursuing multiple new projects that differ from its previous offerings. “We’re eager to explore new directions, even if not everyone will appreciate the changes,” he remarked. “Our teams are genuinely excited about the diverse projects in development at Naughty Dog.”
The Last of Us Part 2 included moments that allowed for player exploration through a mini open-world segment.
Photo Credit: Sony/ Naughty Dog
Current Projects: Beyond The Last of Us
Both Druckmann and Naughty Dog have remained tight-lipped regarding their ongoing projects. In a documentary on The Last of Us Part 2, Druckmann acknowledged having ideas for a third instalment in the franchise. However, it appears that the studio’s next title may not be The Last of Us Part 3. In a conversation with Kinda Funny last year, he confirmed that the next project had already been determined, despite fans’ high expectations for a sequel.
“I understand the strong desire for The Last of Us Part 3; I hear about it constantly,” he said. “All I can disclose is that we’re already deep into our next project. The decision was made thoughtfully, and while I can’t share specifics, we chose the idea that excited us the most.”
For a considerable time, Naughty Dog developed a multiplayer game based in The Last of Us universe, even releasing concept art for it. However, in December 2023, the developer announced the cancellation of the multiplayer project. They stated that maintaining a live-service model for ‘The Last of Us Online’ would require a long-term commitment that diverged from their expertise, prompting a return to their strength in single-player game development.
Despite numerous hints and reports surrounding Naughty Dog’s unannounced projects, both the studio and its parent company, Sony, continue to keep details of the next game tightly guarded. As of now, Naughty Dog has not launched an original title for the PS5, nearly four years following the console’s release.
