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

Naughty Dog's CEO, Neil Druckmann, reveals the challenges of keeping their new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a secret. The pressure mounted amidst fan frustration over numerous remasters and remakes.

The Difficulty of Secrecy

Druckmann confessed to The New York Times that maintaining secrecy for years was "really hard," especially given the online backlash from fans demanding new IPs instead of rehashes. He acknowledged the social media outcry: "Enough with the remasters and remakes! Where are your new games and new I.P.s?" Despite these concerns, the Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet reveal garnered over 2 million YouTube views, proving a successful launch.

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

Known for hits 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 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 enigmatic planet Sempiria. Its perilous history has claimed countless explorers, making Jordan's survival a monumental challenge.

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).