Naughty Dog
The next game from The Last of Us creators aims to redefine the perception of mainstream gaming
Neil Druckman, co-president of Naughty Dog, believes the series can help attract audiences to video games.
The cancellation of the multiplayer game set in the universe of The Last of Us was a hard blow for the developers of Naughty Dog. The American studio has preferred to focus on what it knows best, namely single-player titles. In this context, the director and co-president of the company, Neil Druckman, has mentioned his next project. He did so in an interview published on the Sony website, where he did not refer to it in rather grandiloquent terms, to the point of pointing out that it could redefine the perception of video games for the masses.
“I’ve been lucky to work on several dream projects and am currently excited about a new one, which is perhaps the most thrilling yet,” the creative confessed. " There’s a growing appreciation for gaming that transcends all age groups, unlike when I was growing up.” Druckmann is confident that after the success of The Last of Us series, the barriers between those who play and those who don’t will begin to break down, which he hopes will help attract more people to the video game world. “I’m eager to see how this new game resonates, especially following the success of The Last of Us, as it could redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming.”
The executive did not give specific details about the project, but he did hint that it will be a new intellectual property. According to him, it is necessary to take risks to embrace new ideas “that connect with audiences,” and he gave the example of Uncharted. Despite being a best-selling brand, Naughty Dog chose to experiment and innovate with The Last of Us. “Many companies would insist on sticking to profitable franchises, but SIE’s culture and philosophy empower us to pursue new ideas. Art requires risk.”
Druckmann also mentioned tools such as artificial intelligence that can be used to benefit development: “AI is really going to revolutionize how content is being created, although it does bring up some ethical issues we need to address,” he acknowledged.
Following the release of The Last of Us Part 2 in 2020, Naughty Dog has announced a remake of the first game and a remaster of the second. Their new video game, directed and written by Druckmann, has yet to be officially unveiled. Will there be a third part? Just wishful thinking for now.