Naughty Dog's CEO Neil Druckmann recently opened up about the challenges of keeping the studio's latest project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, under wraps. Amid fan frustration over the company's focus on remasters and remakes, particularly of The Last of Us, Druckmann found it "really hard" to maintain secrecy about the new IP.
"Really Hard" To Work In Silence
Druckmann admitted to The New York Times that the silence surrounding Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was particularly challenging. "It’s really hard to work on these things in secret and silence for so many years," he explained. "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 announcement trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet garnered over 2 million views on YouTube, indicating strong public interest.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Is Naughty Dog’s Newest
Naughty Dog, renowned for its critically acclaimed series like Uncharted, Jak & Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, and The Last of Us, has now introduced Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet to its lineup. Initially teased in 2022, the game was officially trademarked by Sony Interactive Entertainment in February 2024 and unveiled at this year's The Game Awards. Set in an alternate 1986 where space travel is advanced, Intergalactic invites players to explore the depths of space.
In the game, players assume the role of Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on the enigmatic planet Sempiria. Known for its mysterious past, Sempiria has claimed the lives of all who have tried to uncover its secrets. Jordan must use her skills and intelligence to survive and potentially become the first person in over 600 years to return from this foreboding world.
Druckmann described the game's narrative as "quite ambitious," focusing on a fictional religion and the consequences of faith in various institutions. He also noted that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet marks a "return to Naughty Dog’s roots in the action-adventure genre," drawing inspiration from classics like the 1988 film Akira and the 1990 anime series Cowboy Bebop.
