Naughty Dog's CEO, Neil Druckmann, reveals the challenges of keeping the studio's latest IP under wraps, particularly amidst fan frustration over remasters and remakes. Discover his insights and more about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet below.

The Difficulty of Secrecy

Druckmann confessed to The New York Times that maintaining secrecy for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet over several years was "really hard." He acknowledged fan discontent with the numerous remasters and remakes, particularly of The Last of Us, leading to calls for new IPs and original titles. He stated, "It’s really hard to work on these things in secret and silence for so many years...And then to see our fans go on social media and say, ‘Enough with the remasters and remakes! Where are your new games and new I.P.s?’" Despite these concerns, the game's reveal trailer garnered over 2 million YouTube views, demonstrating significant public interest.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – Naughty Dog's Newest Adventure

Naughty Dog, renowned for franchises like Uncharted, Jak & Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, and The Last of Us, 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 enigmatic planet Sempiria – a place from which no one has ever returned after attempting to uncover its secrets. Jordan must utilize her skills 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 the consequences of faith in different institutions. He also highlighted the game's return to Naughty Dog's action-adventure roots, drawing inspiration from Akira (1988) and Cowboy Bebop (1990).