Naughty Dog, the renowned studio behind iconic franchises like Uncharted and The Last of Us, is hard at work on its next major project. Though the details remain tightly under wraps, recent hints suggest that the upcoming title could take a new direction by embracing “player freedom,” a significant departure from the studio’s usual narrative-heavy, linear gameplay style.
Teaser for ‘Player Freedom’ in the Next Naughty Dog Game
According to Ben Hanson, founder of the independent games media outlet MinnMax, Naughty Dog’s next unannounced game will introduce “a lot of player freedom.” This information, shared during The MinnMax Show, comes from an insider who reportedly worked on the project. While specifics on what this freedom entails remain scarce, Hanson’s remarks suggest that the studio may be moving away from its traditional on-rails, linear experiences to offer players more control over the narrative and gameplay paths.
This shift could align the upcoming game more closely with titles like Elden Ring, which blend story and exploration, allowing players to engage with the narrative at their own pace. The move hints at a broader trend within the gaming industry where even traditionally story-driven studios like Naughty Dog are exploring more open-ended gameplay mechanics.
Neil Druckmann’s Vision for More Interactive Storytelling
Neil Druckmann, co-president of Naughty Dog, has previously hinted at his interest in moving towards a more immersive form of storytelling. In a 2023 interview with The Washington Post, Druckmann expressed admiration for games that convey their stories through environmental design, exploration, and gameplay mechanics rather than through conventional cutscenes or linear plots. His praise for games like Elden Ring and Inside hinted at the possibility that Naughty Dog’s next game could lean into these elements.
Druckmann’s emphasis on world-building and letting players uncover narratives through exploration suggests that the studio’s new project may offer players a more dynamic and interactive experience. This could mark a shift in how Naughty Dog, known for its tight, cinematic storytelling, approaches game design.
What We Know About the Next Game
Despite the anticipation surrounding Naughty Dog’s next game, very little has been officially confirmed. Druckmann has previously stated that the studio is working on multiple projects, but the new game may not be a continuation of The Last of Us franchise. Although fans have clamored for The Last of Us Part 3, Druckmann indicated that the studio’s focus has shifted to something different. “We’re already into our next project,” he revealed during an interview with Kinda Funny in 2023, adding that while they considered various ideas, the studio ultimately chose the project that excited them the most.
Cancelation of The Last of Us Multiplayer Game
One of the projects Naughty Dog had been working on—a standalone multiplayer game set in The Last of Us universe—was canceled in late 2023. Concept art and teasers had been shared over the years, but the studio ultimately decided to abandon the multiplayer project. Naughty Dog explained that the title would have required constant updates, akin to a live-service game, which would detract from their core focus on developing narrative-driven single-player experiences. This decision emphasized the studio’s dedication to producing high-quality, story-rich games, even as it explores new gameplay mechanics.
Naughty Dog’s Uncharted Future on PS5
Naughty Dog’s next game is particularly significant as it will be the studio’s first original release for the PlayStation 5, which launched over four years ago. Following the release of The Last of Us Part 2 in 2020, the studio has primarily focused on remakes and remasters, including the critically acclaimed Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection and The Last of Us Part 1 remake. However, fans are eagerly awaiting a new, original game from one of Sony’s most prestigious studios, and the hints about player freedom suggest that Naughty Dog is aiming to surprise and innovate with its next release.
