Naughty Dog Plans Return with Intergalactic and Mysterious Game After 5 Years

Naughty Dog’s presence has surely been felt as it’s been nearly five years since their last major release, The Last of Us Part 2, launching in 2020. Since then, the studio has faced numerous challenges, including a canceled live-service project set in the post-apocalyptic universe. Still, these issues haven’t slowed the game’s popularity, as seen by the success of the HBO Max series. Given this extended game, is the studio attempting to shift its approach?

Naughty Dog Surprises with Intergalactic and More

With the announcement of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet last year, it would be reasonable to assume that the team would focus solely on that title. Additionally, the studio has a history of prioritizing one project at a time, proving the case. However, Neil Druckmann, CEO of Naughty Dog, made recent comments on the Press X to Continue podcast, revealing a surprising twist: a second game is now in development alongside Intergalactic. Ultimately, the studio’s new dual-project strategy departs from their usual workflow.

As a result, questions about how it will balance resources and timelines arise. Although Druckmann, who directed The Last of Us Part 2, confirmed the news, he didn’t provide additional information. By not specifying details, fans were left to speculate whether the unannounced title ties to an existing franchise or explores entirely new territory. Naughty Dogs seeks to make a surprising return to the spotlight with both projects underway, determined to reassert its position in an industry that has evolved significantly since its last release.

Naughty Dog CEO Confirms Secret Project

When Neil Druckmann appeared on the Press X to Continue podcast, he confirmed that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet isn’t the only game currently being developed by Naughty Dog. During a discussion about the studio’s workflow, Druckman hinted at a second project, suggesting it may be smaller in scope and managed by a separate team. To clarify, Druckmann stated that he has little involvement in the title’s development as he adopted a more hands-off approach, differing from his directorial roles in past games. Instead of leading the project, Druckmann emphasized his current position as a producer with three main goals, namely:

• team mentorship
• providing feedback
• overseeing broader creative decisions

By taking this approach, the CEO can step back from day-to-day development while still guiding the project’s vision. As of now, details involving the unannounced title remain scarce. However, Naughty Dog’s shift toward parallel development signals a notable change for the studio, as they are traditionally known for focusing on one major release at a time. Until its release, fans are left to speculate whether this second game will expand an existing franchise or venture into uncharted territory.

Naughty Dog’s New Approach to Game Development

However, let’s get a couple of things out of the way and address the elephant in the room. For starters, if Druckmann isn’t leading this second project, that likely rules out major franchise entries he’s worked on. Given his historical involvement in the studio’s flagship titles, fans shouldn’t expect The Last of Us Part 3 or a new Uncharted game being announced anytime soon, but possibly something entirely different.  Still, this departure offers very little in explanation whether Naughty Dog has moved on from The Last of Us entirely, a possibility hinted at by the studio’s recent pivot toward new directions.

Moreover, a mystery title is now speculated as the long-rumored fantasy game leaked in 2022. According to reports at the time, a project separate from Druckmann’s creative focus was mentioned. This news aligns with his current producer role, where he mentors the team rather than steering development directly. Notably, his hands-off approach differs from how Naughty Dog worked on previously established franchises, supporting the idea of an experimental or smaller-scale title.

Nevertheless, these multiple projects are confirmed to be in development, suggesting Naughty Dog is diversifying its workflow. Thanks to its departure from its traditional single-project focus, the studio shortens the gaps between its video game releases. This approach ensures fans that they won’t have to wait another five years after Intergalactic arrives for another game. Although the studio’s next steps remain shrouded in mystery, fans participate in a game with fresh ideas that could jump more into fantasy, offering plenty of excitement.