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

Naughty Dog's CEO, Neil Druckmann, recently revealed the challenges of keeping their new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, under wraps, particularly amidst fan frustration over the studio's focus on remasters and remakes. Let's delve into his comments and explore the exciting details of this interstellar adventure.

The Difficulty of Secrecy

Druckmann confessed to The New York Times that maintaining secrecy for years during the development of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was incredibly difficult. He acknowledged the growing fan discontent regarding the numerous remasters and remakes, especially of The Last of Us, with a noticeable lack of new IP releases. His concerns were, however, ultimately unfounded. The game's reveal garnered significant public attention, boasting over 2 million views on YouTube for its initial trailer.

Naughty Dog's Newest IP: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

Known for critically acclaimed franchises 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 as an upcoming project, the title was trademarked by Sony Interactive Entertainment in February 2024 and officially unveiled at The Game Awards.

Set in an alternate 1986 where space travel is highly advanced, players embody Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on the enigmatic planet Sempiria – a place with a mysterious past and a history no one has ever returned from exploring. Jordan must utilize her skills and ingenuity 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 its impact on faith and societal institutions. He also highlighted the game's return to Naughty Dog's action-adventure roots, drawing inspiration from classic works like 1988's Akira and the 1990s anime series Cowboy Bebop.