– Sony and its studios are shifting toward fewer, bigger AAA games amid rising budgets and longer development times, impacting release cadence for first-party titles like Naughty Dog.
– Naughty Dog has faced criticism for fewer new PS5 exclusives, instead releasing remakes/remasters/PC ports and delaying major new projects such as Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
– Live-service ambitions (e.g., The Last of Us Online) have influenced focus and resource allocation, sometimes at the expense of single-player experiences.
– Funding and development cycles across Sony’s roster, including Bungie, have been scrutinized, with insiders noting higher expected output but ongoing cost-control concerns.
Some fans anticipated more first-party PS5 games during the current console generation. It’s the role of studios like Naughty Dog to create unique content for PlayStation hardware. Bungie has also become instrumental in its cross-platform and live-service efforts. Bloomberg insider Jason Schreier revealed that Sony expected a higher output from both.
Industry shifts and expectations
On Bluesky, Schreier was discussing the latest Bungie news. After the demise of Destiny 2, he explained that funding was why the company hadn’t already started work on Destiny 3. A gamer argued that Sony should be equally concerned about spending at Naughty Dog. The reporter then chimed in, explaining, “Oh they definitely have an issue with that.”
Clarifications and broader context
Schreier would later clarify on the ResetEra forums that he wasn’t singling out Naughty Dog. With all of its game-makers, Sony has grown weary of ballooning budgets and extended development cycles. Nevertheless, the studio is a prime example of how the industry has shifted toward fewer, more expensive-to-make AAA projects.
Past performance and current output
For the PS3 and PS4 consoles, the California-based creators released titles at a steady clip. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune debuted in 2007, followed by 2 other entries in the action-adventure franchise. Also, The Last of Us Part 1 appeared, setting the stage for impressive sales figures throughout the series.
Current struggles and future prospects
Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t continue. Many followers have been disappointed by the limited number of Naughty Dog PS5 exclusives. Instead of new games, the company has produced remakes, remasters, and PC ports for The Last of Us IP.
Development cycles and ongoing projects
Addressing the lack of new releases, critics blame slow development cycles for AAA games. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is the big-budget undertaking that the studio is currently focused on. Originating in 2020, it’s still not clear when the sci-fi spectacle will ship. Fans hope to hear an update at Summer Game Fest or another June showcase.
Live-service impact and other publishers
Sony’s embrace of live-service games may also be a factor. Naughty Dog reportedly spent 7 years working on the multiplayer The Last of Us Online. Despite being at an advanced stage, it shelved the project in 2023. The costly development was preventing progress on single-player games, which were more familiar to the studio.
Industry-wide delays and expectations
The long wait is not unique to PS5 exclusives and SIE’s cross-platform games. The obvious case is Rockstar and GTA 6, with rising odds that it will finally arrive in November. Its open-world setting should provide endless gameplay hours, bolstered by a steady stream of new content. Even with a likely shorter campaign, hopefully Intergalactic will reward patient gamers.
Jason Schreier@Bluesky, jschreier@ResetEra forums
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