Exclusive: Naughty Dog's Struggle to Conceal Its Latest Project

Naughty Dog's CEO, Neil Druckmann, reveals the challenges of keeping their new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a secret.

The Difficulty of Secrecy

Druckmann shared with The New York Times the significant difficulty in maintaining secrecy for several years, especially given fan frustration over the numerous remasters and remakes, and the lack of new IPs. He acknowledged the social media outcry: "It’s really hard to work on these things in secret and silence for so many years...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 reveal of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet garnered over 2 million YouTube views, demonstrating significant public interest.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – A New Chapter for Naughty Dog

Known for acclaimed titles 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 with advanced space travel, players embody Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on the perilous planet Sempiria, a place shrouded in mystery and a history no one has ever fully uncovered. Jordan must utilize her skills to survive and potentially become the first to return in over 600 years.

Druckmann describes the story as "quite ambitious," focusing on a fictional religion and the consequences of faith in various institutions. He also highlights the game's return to Naughty Dog's action-adventure roots, drawing inspiration from Akira (1988) and Cowboy Bebop (1990).