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

Naughty Dog's CEO, Neil Druckmann, recently revealed the challenges of keeping the studio's new IP under wraps, particularly amidst fan frustration over the numerous remasters and remakes. Let's delve into his comments and explore the details of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

The Difficulty of Secrecy

Druckmann described the years spent developing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet in secrecy as "really hard." He acknowledged the growing discontent among fans, who voiced their desire for new IPs and original games instead of continued remasters, especially concerning The Last of Us.

"It’s really hard to work on these things in secret and silence for so many years," Druckmann told The New York Times. He added, “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 proved overwhelmingly successful, garnering over 2 million views on YouTube for its launch trailer.

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

Known for iconic 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 and officially unveiled at The Game Awards.

Set in an alternate 1986 where space travel is highly advanced, players take on the role of Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on the enigmatic planet Sempiria – a place from which no explorer has ever returned. Jordan must utilize her skills and ingenuity 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 classic anime such as 1988's Akira and 1990's Cowboy Bebop.