PlayStation Exclusive Revealed: 'The Last of Us' Returns

Maintaining Secrecy: The Challenges of Naughty Dog's New IP

Naughty Dog CEO Neil Druckmann recently revealed the difficulties in keeping the studio's new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, under wraps. This challenge was amplified by fan frustration over the numerous remasters and remakes released without new titles.

The Burden of Silence

In an interview with The New York Times, Druckmann stated that maintaining secrecy for several years was "really hard." He acknowledged the growing online sentiment from fans demanding new IPs and expressing fatigue with the remakes, particularly of The Last of Us. Despite these concerns, the reveal of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet proved highly successful, garnering over 2 million YouTube views for its announcement trailer.

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

Known for 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, 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 assume the role of 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 from Sempiria in over 600 years.

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