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

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

The Difficulty of Secrecy

Druckmann confessed to The New York Times the significant difficulty in developing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet in secrecy for years. He acknowledged fan concerns voiced on social media, expressing weariness with remakes and the lack of new IPs from Naughty Dog. The pressure was immense: "It’s really hard to work on these things in secret and silence for so many years," he stated. "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 anxieties, the game's reveal was a resounding success, garnering over 2 million views on YouTube.

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

Naughty Dog, renowned for titles like Uncharted, Jak & Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, and The Last of Us, has unveiled its latest creation: 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 enigmatic planet Sempiria – a place from which no one has ever returned after attempting to uncover its secrets. Jordan must utilize her skills 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 different institutions. He also highlighted the game's return to Naughty Dog's action-adventure roots, drawing inspiration from Akira (1988) and Cowboy Bebop (1990).