Tag: Naughty Dog

  • Sony reportedly expects more PS5 games from Naughty Dog and Bungie

    Sony reportedly expects more PS5 games from Naughty Dog and Bungie

    Key Takeaway

    – 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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  • Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Release Date May Arrive Early

    Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Release Date May Arrive Early

    Key Takeaways

    1. Naughty Dog is developing a new game titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which was first revealed at the 2024 Game Awards.
    2. The expected release date for the game may be moved up to late 2026 or early 2027, earlier than the previously anticipated 2027-2028 window.
    3. Reports indicate that Naughty Dog is hiring translators, suggesting that the game’s development is likely at an advanced stage.
    4. Fans should remain cautious and not get overly excited, as there have been no official announcements from Naughty Dog yet.
    5. The release schedule for PlayStation is busy, with other major titles like Marvel’s Wolverine and GTA 6 also in the pipeline.

    Naughty Dog is famous around the globe for its popular games, especially The Last of Us series. However, fans are also buzzing about another game that’s currently in the works and might come out sooner than we thought, according to some chatter.

    What’s Coming Next

    The game is titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and it created a stir when it was first shown at the 2024 Game Awards. Set in a futuristic world, there hasn’t been much news about it since then, leaving fans feeling a bit let down. But there’s a silver lining: the release date, which was initially expected to be between 2027 and 2028, might now be pushed up to late 2026 or early 2027.

    Possible Development Updates

    Reports from DomTheBombYT on X suggest that Naughty Dog is searching for translators from around the globe for the game. While this might seem like standard practice—since many big games get translated into multiple languages—it’s noteworthy that this usually happens towards the end of the game’s development. This hints that the progress on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is likely quite advanced.

    Keeping Expectations in Check

    Despite this news, we should remember that these are just rumors and speculations, so it’s wise not to get too excited just yet. Naughty Dog hasn’t made any official statements, so we’ll need to stay tuned to see if anything concrete comes out in the next few months.

    If we go by this line of thinking, it seems the game could be set for release towards the end of 2026 or early 2027. However, the schedule for PlayStation is pretty packed, with other major titles like Marvel’s Wolverine and the much-anticipated GTA 6 also on the horizon.

    @DomTheBombYT on X

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  • Neil Druckmann Unveils Ambitious Game Details and Star Cast

    Neil Druckmann Unveils Ambitious Game Details and Star Cast

    Key Takeaways

    1. Neil Druckmann describes Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as the most ambitious game he has worked on and predicts it will be Naughty Dog’s most expensive project.
    2. The gameplay will evolve from previous titles like Uncharted and The Last of Us, incorporating sci-fi elements and a blend of character-action and emotional storytelling.
    3. The lead character, Jordan A. Mun, will be played by Tati Gabrielle, while Troy Baker, known for his role as Joel Miller, will also be part of the cast.
    4. The game has the potential to become a new franchise if it gains popularity, indicating plans for future developments.
    5. More details about the game are anticipated, as current information is still limited and shrouded in mystery.

    Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is a game that’s been shrouded in mystery for quite a while. However, Neil Druckmann has recently shed some light on it.

    During the Emmy Awards, Variety seized the chance to ask him about this upcoming title. Druckmann mentioned that this game is the most ambitious he has ever worked on. Furthermore, he believes it will also become Naughty Dog’s most expensive project when it’s completed.

    Gameplay Insights

    When it comes to gameplay, Druckmann shared:

    “You can see the evolution in our past games, starting from ‘Uncharted,’ where we were really honing our skills in creating realistic character-action games, third-person shooters, and blending them with emotional storytelling. With ‘The Last of Us,’ we introduced some RPG elements and began exploring wider linear layouts. Continuing along that path, we’re adding sci-fi elements, which gives you an idea of what we’re aiming for, and we’re aiming even higher than that. I’m really excited to see how everything comes together.”

    An Exciting Cast

    Moreover, the cast of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is quite impressive. Tati Gabrielle is set to play the lead character, Jordan A. Mun, and Troy Baker, famous for his role as Joel Miller in The Last of Us, will also be featured in the game.

    In the remainder of his interview, Druckmann mentioned that this project has the potential to evolve into a new franchise if it gains popularity. With its unique world and stellar cast, it seems promising, but we will need to wait for more details to confirm that.

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  • Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet May Appear in Next State of Play

    Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet May Appear in Next State of Play

    Key Takeaways

    1. A State of Play event is rumored for late September, potentially featuring new content for games.
    2. A new trailer for “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet” may be shown, following its first reveal nine months ago.
    3. The game centers on a bounty hunter named Jordan Mun and is set on a planet with aggressive robots.
    4. Insider Gaming suggests that the game might include a progression system similar to RPGs.
    5. Caution is advised as the event may primarily focus on Insomniac Games’ “Marvel’s Wolverine,” and nothing is confirmed yet.

    Many people are talking on social media about a possible State of Play happening in September. If this occurs, we might get to see a new trailer for the game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

    It’s been nine months since Naughty Dog first showed the trailer for this game at the last Game Awards. The players who watched Jordan Mun, a bounty hunter, flying a spaceship with retro tunes in the background seemed really hooked. However, not much more has been shared since then, but we do know that the plot unfolds on a planet filled with aggressive robots.

    Exciting News Ahead?

    Recently, Insider Gaming mentioned that a State of Play event is planned for late September, and it looks like Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which might feature a progression system akin to RPGs, will be showcased there.

    Staying Cautious

    While this news could be exciting for gamers, it’s wise to be careful. Nothing has been confirmed yet, and it appears that the upcoming event might mainly spotlight Insomniac Games’ new title, which is Marvel’s Wolverine. Therefore, we’ll have to wait for this new State of Play to see if this information is accurate and if a second trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will be revealed.

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  • Director of The Last of Us Online Creates New AAA Indie Multiplayer Game

    Director of The Last of Us Online Creates New AAA Indie Multiplayer Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vinit Agarwal, game director for The Last of Us Online, has left Naughty Dog to pursue his dream of blending cinematic storytelling with multiplayer gaming.

    2. Agarwal’s experience includes significant contributions to Uncharted 4, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, and The Last of Us Part II, particularly focusing on creating engaging boss battles.

    3. He plans to establish a new studio in Japan, co-led by Joe Pettinati, focusing on “AAA indie” cinematic, action-driven multiplayer games using Unreal Engine 5.

    4. The Last of Us Online was canceled after four years of development, as Naughty Dog chose to focus on single-player experiences instead of live-service games.

    5. The decision to cancel The Last of Us Online followed discussions with Bungie and aimed to realign Naughty Dog’s efforts towards their strengths in single-player storytelling.

    Vinit Agarwal, who served as the game director for The Last of Us Online during his long career at the studio, has departed from Naughty Dog to chase his dream of blending cinematic storytelling with multiplayer gaming.

    Developing Ideas Through Experience

    This vision was shaped through his work on titles like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, and The Last of Us Part II, where he contributed to boss battles. In an interview with GameSpark on August 13, Vinit detailed his responsibilities at the studio:

    “My key projects were Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, and The Last of Us Part 2. I was involved in both multiplayer and single-player modes. I primarily focused on boss battles, and Naughty Dog typically features one-on-one confrontations in these scenarios.

    I aimed for players to sense they were up against a human opponent, not an AI, even when playing solo. Specifically, I contributed to the final showdown in A Thief’s End and the encounter between Ellie and Abby in The Last of Us Part II.

    I applied all my multiplayer insights to create an experience that felt like battling a real person. A significant reason I decided to go independent was recognizing the opportunity to merge Naughty Dog’s strength in cinematic action with multiplayer elements.”

    New Beginnings in Japan

    In July, Agarwal announced his plans to relocate to Japan to establish a new studio. This unnamed international studio will operate between the U.S. and Japan and is co-led by Joe Pettinati, who also has a background at Naughty Dog.

    Taking cues from From Software’s Hidetaka Miyazaki, the team is pursuing a “AAA indie” strategy, concentrating on cinematic, action-driven multiplayer experiences, utilizing Unreal Engine 5.

    The project is still at an early stage of development, with Agarwal mentioning that it is currently playable in a prototype version. He added, “We can’t share too much just yet, but the new game is multiplayer-focused, and we plan to infuse the cinematic action we are known for from our previous works into the multiplayer experience.”

    Cancellation of The Last of Us Online

    Earlier, Naughty Dog announced the cancellation of The Last of Us Online in December 2023 after four years of development involving hundreds of team members.

    This conclusion came as the studio aimed to steer clear from live-service games. Naughty Dog reached this decision following multiple discussions with Bungie.

    Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida described the project as “fantastic” before it was put on hold, emphasizing that the cancellation was to allow Naughty Dog to concentrate on single-player experiences instead.

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  • Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet Leak Reveals RPG Features and More

    Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet Leak Reveals RPG Features and More

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Development: Naughty Dog has been developing an open-world RPG titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet since 2020, announced at The Game Awards last year.

    2. Open-World Design: The game features a “nested sandbox” open-world, blending elements from The Last of Us Part II and Dark Souls, with parkour, a glider, and “faith anchors” for fast travel.

    3. Combat Mechanics: The combat system is similar to God of War 2018, including combos and weakpoint targeting, along with RPG elements like dialogue options for character interactions.

    4. Visuals and Audio: The game boasts an advanced lighting engine that adapts to planetary phases, alongside a unique audio atmosphere mixing ambient drone music with metal and religious choirs.

    5. Release Timeline: The anticipated release date is late 2026, with a potential cinematic trailer expected to debut at The Game Awards this year.

    Naughty Dog has been developing their next big AAA open-world RPG called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet since 2020. It was announced for the first time at The Game Awards last year, but there has been little information since then aside from a basic PlayStation page. Recently, a leak has surfaced that shares intriguing details about the game’s setting, gameplay, visuals, and more, including a tentative release timeframe.

    Leak Details

    This information comes from a user who claims to have been a quality assurance tester for builds between February and May on a PS5 Pro development kit, shared through 4chan. The leak describes the open-world as akin to a blend of The Last of Us Part II and Dark Souls. While it’s not a traditional open-world, it’s more like a “nested sandbox” that features large areas to explore. Players can utilize parkour, a glider, and a feature called “faith anchors” for fast travel once they land on a planet.

    Combat and RPG Elements

    The combat system in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is reported to resemble that of God of War 2018, featuring combos and weakpoint targeting, among other mechanics. Regarding RPG elements, there will be a dialogue box for interactions with other characters. The main character often finds themselves alone, and there will be various options to bypass certain encounters.

    Visuals and Audio

    The leak also mentions that the lighting engine is “insane,” with colors changing according to the “planetary phase” during gameplay. Furthermore, ambient drone music shifts into “metal” religious choirs and rock, creating a unique atmosphere. This combination is described as a mix of religious apocalypse fan fiction and hard science fiction by the leaker.

    Anticipated Release

    As for the release date, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is expected to launch in late 2026, though a cinematic trailer may be revealed at The Game Awards this year.

    Commenters on the leak express doubts about its reliability, especially since Naughty Dog hasn’t provided any official information regarding the mechanics mentioned, so it’s wise to take this with caution.

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  • Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Features Deep RPG Progression

    Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Features Deep RPG Progression

    Key Takeaways

    1. Naughty Dog is developing a new game titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, revealed at The Game Awards last year.
    2. The game is expected to feature a genuine RPG progression system, which would be a first for the studio.
    3. The gameplay is described as having the “deepest gameplay in Naughty Dog’s history,” with RPG elements like equipment upgrades and skill unlocks.
    4. The story follows Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on a mysterious planet, aiming to be the first to leave its orbit in over 600 years.
    5. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is designed for the PS5, but no release date has been announced yet.

    Naughty Dog is currently developing a new game titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. It was initially revealed at The Game Awards last year. While there have been rumors about other canceled projects from the studio, this one appears to be progressing well. Details about the game are sparse, but recent leaks suggest it might incorporate a genuine RPG progression system, marking a first for Naughty Dog.

    Exciting Gameplay Features

    The studio claims that this game will have the “deepest gameplay in Naughty Dog’s history,” hinting at a system reminiscent of RPGs. Recently, a Reddit user named 22Seres discovered a LinkedIn profile of a designer who was with Naughty Dog from August 2022 until February 2024. This profile mentioned an “RPG progression system on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.” This information, alongside Naughty Dog’s own descriptions, indicates that players can expect RPG features such as equipment upgrades and skill unlocks.

    RPG Elements Explained

    It’s important to note that the term “RPG progression system” could imply various meanings and might not strictly refer to a conventional RPG. Some users have pointed out that the supplements system in The Last of Us served as an RPG feature by enhancing Joel’s skills. Still, it seems that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is shaping up to be more expansive than the more linear narratives of previous Naughty Dog AAA games.

    The Story Unfolds

    The plot centers around Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter who finds herself stranded on a remote and enigmatic planet. As described officially, “Jordan will have to use all her skills and wits if she hopes to be the first person in over 600 years to leave its orbit.” The game is being designed for the PS5, but so far, no release date has been announced.

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  • Mixed Reactions to The Last of Us PS5 Special Edition Release

    Mixed Reactions to The Last of Us PS5 Special Edition Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new game in The Last of Us series is set to release for the PS5, with a special edition priced at $109.99 and pre-orders starting in the next two months.
    2. The Last of Us Remastered and The Last of Us Part I have been released on PS4 and PS5, respectively, with a remastered edition of The Last of Us Part II expected in 2024 and a PC version on April 3rd.
    3. Speculations suggest Sony may offer a bundle of remastered versions of both games, but gamers are feeling fatigued with the frequent remasters and accessories.
    4. The HBO series has gained significant viewership, yet some fans are tired of the constant releases related to the franchise.
    5. Naughty Dog is currently focused on a project called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, indicating that The Last of Us Part III is likely years away.

    With the second season of The Last of Us set to debut on April 13th, Sony is keen to take advantage of the excitement. A well-known leaker, billbil-kun, has discovered that another game in The Last of Us series is coming for the PS5. While many specifics remain unknown, it appears that a special edition will be released in physical format. According to billbil-kun, the game will be priced at $109.99, with pre-orders expected to start within the next two months.

    Previous Releases and Future Expectations

    The Last of Us Remastered first came out on the PS4 back in 2014, followed by a remake for the PS5 called The Last of Us Part I in 2022. After the sequel, The Last of Us Part II, launched in 2020, a remastered edition appeared in 2024. PC players can anticipate a Windows version arriving soon on April 3rd. Given that both games in the franchise have garnered significant attention from Sony, fans are curious about what a new PS5 release might bring to the table.

    Community Speculations

    Some users on Reddit are speculating that Sony may offer a bundle of remastered versions for both The Last of Us games together. If not, there seem to be limited avenues for Naughty Dog to enhance the previous iterations. Gamers have already enjoyed new gameplay modes, improved mechanics, and stunning visual upgrades.

    While the HBO series of The Last of Us has drawn record numbers of viewers, some gamers are feeling tired of the franchise. New remastered editions and various accessories have been consistently released. Recently, Sony unveiled a Limited Edition PS5 DualSense controller that honors the series. The anticipated The Last of Us PS5 Special Edition package might feature collectibles to attract hesitant buyers.

    Ongoing Developments

    Since the original The Last of Us launched in 2013, Naughty Dog has only produced one sequel, alongside multiple remasters and remakes. With the developer currently focused on a project called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, it seems that The Last of Us Part III is still years away. Nevertheless, as reboots of other successful franchises continue to thrive, Sony doesn’t appear to be in a hurry to expedite the development of a new game.

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    Mixed Reactions to The Last of Us PS5 Special Edition ReleaseMixed Reactions to The Last of Us PS5 Special Edition Release
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  • Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet by Naughty Dog May Miss 2026 Launch

    Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet by Naughty Dog May Miss 2026 Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Naughty Dog announced a new game titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, marking its first new intellectual property in years.
    2. The game is not expected to be released until 2026, meaning no new Naughty Dog exclusives for PlayStation until then.
    3. During this console generation, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will be the only exclusive from Naughty Dog aside from remakes and remasters.
    4. Other PlayStation 5 exclusives are still on the way, including Ghost of Yotei and Death Stranding 2, both anticipated for 2025.
    5. A remaster of Days Gone is expected, but Bloodborne will not be included in the upcoming titles.

    Earlier this year, Naughty Dog unveiled its latest project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. While the trailer didn’t provide much in terms of details, it marks the studio’s first new intellectual property in quite some time. Unfortunately, fans eager to play this game will have to temper their expectations.

    Release Timeline

    According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier on ResetEra, it seems that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is not expected to be released until 2026. This suggests that there won’t be any Naughty Dog exclusive titles for the PlayStation until the end of this console generation. Besides remakes and remasters, this will be the only exclusive from the studio during this generation, as they have remained quiet regarding The Last of Us 3.

    Future PlayStation Titles

    Despite Naughty Dog’s lack of activity, the PlayStation 5 generation does still have several exclusives lined up. Insomniac has yet to showcase Marvel’s Wolverine, but fans can anticipate titles like Ghost of Yotei and Death Stranding 2, both expected to arrive in 2025. Additionally, there’s a remaster of Days Gone on the horizon. However, it seems Bloodborne will be left out of the mix.

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  • Naughty Dog Confirms Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Game

    Naughty Dog Confirms Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Game

    Naughty Dog has made a name for itself in the realm of story-focused single-player games, with popular franchises like Uncharted and The Last of Us. Both have been adapted into big-screen films and television shows.

    Exciting New Game Announcement

    Recently, the rumor mill has been buzzing with speculation about Naughty Dog’s next project. In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Neil Druckman, the Head of Naughty Dog Studios, unveiled their newest intellectual property titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

    Game Details and Development

    Currently, specifics about the game are scarce, but it has reportedly been in the works since 2020. It appears to be a narrative-driven space adventure featuring elements like space Porches, light swords, and ninja assassin robots. While the storyline is still a secret, Druckman assures fans that it will adhere to Naughty Dog’s legacy of providing an “emotional, character-focused epic journey,” alongside the “most profound gameplay in Naughty Dog’s history.”

    The trailer gives off a nostalgic 80s feel, set to the tune of Pet Shop Boys’ “Actually.” In it, we meet the main character, “Jordan A Mun,” a bounty hunter who finds himself stranded on a remote planet where people mysteriously vanish. The trailer hints that this will be a “mature” game, which raises excitement for those looking for content directed at an adult audience.

    Exclusive Availability

    There has been no word regarding a PC release, which indicates that this game will be a PS5 exclusive for now. However, if Sony keeps its trend of later releasing older titles on PC, those without a PlayStation 5 might eventually get the chance to experience it.

    For those eager to play, the PlayStation 5 is currently discounted by $75 at Best Buy. Since there is no confirmed release date yet, you might have the opportunity to wait for a better deal. Nonetheless, fans of Naughty Dog are anxiously anticipating further announcements. Let’s hope that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet doesn’t require another five years of development before reaching players.

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