In a surprising turn of events, Neil Druckmann, the prominent head of Naughty Dog, recently revealed during the Press X to Continue podcast on BBC that a sequel to their upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, is already in development. This announcement comes at a time when gamers are eagerly awaiting the release of the highly anticipated game, first unveiled in December.
Druckmann shared insights about his multifaceted role within the studio, stating, “In addition to my creative direction on Intergalactic, I’m also stepping into a producer capacity for another project at Naughty Dog.” He expressed excitement about this dynamic responsibility: “Mentoring the team, observing their progress, and providing feedback keeps my work fresh and engaging. These varied roles truly invigorate my creative process.”
This isn’t the first hint at Naughty Dog’s ambition for multiple projects; in 2023, the studio made headlines with its announcement of “multiple ambitious new single-player games,” coinciding with the controversial cancellation of The Last of Us Online. Druckmann’s latest comments reinforce the studio’s commitment to exploring diverse gaming experiences, much to the delight of fans.
Speculation has already begun regarding the second project, though Druckmann offered no specific details to satisfy the curiosity of eager fans. Some believe that Shaun Escayg, who previously directed Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and returned to Naughty Dog in 2021 after his tenure at Crystal Dynamics, may be at the helm.
Meanwhile, Druckmann continues to tease the potential of a third chapter in the The Last of Us saga. However, he tempered expectations in a statement made this past March, cautioning enthusiasts, “Don’t bet on there being more.” His primary focus remains steadfast on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, slated for a 2027 release. Although details are still under wraps, Druckmann recently hinted at the addition of another actor from the live-action adaptation of The Last of Us who will join the cast of Intergalactic.
