Neil Druckmann, president of Naughty Dog and director of the acclaimed franchise The Last of Us, has shared his approach to video game development during the D.I.C.E. Summit. Druckmann stated that he never thinks about sequels while working on a current project, as he believes that doing so could jinx the development. “The game in front of us is so immersive that I am completely absorbed in it,” he explained, suggesting that his focus is on resolving the unfinished elements of the story rather than planning future installments.
Druckmann is not exactly a man short on ideas
Although Druckmann acknowledged that ideas about a possible sequel to The Last of Us sometimes arise, no concrete details have been developed regarding this. “Every now and then, an idea pops into my mind about where the story could go if we had the opportunity to make another,” he admitted, although he did not provide specific information. Fans have speculated about the possibility of a third installment, as he previously stated that “there is probably one more chapter in this story.”
In contrast, Cory Barlog, director of Sony Santa Monica, compared his approach to development with a complex system of conspiracies, where all elements are interconnected. Barlog stated that his method requires a level of trust that Druckmann believes he does not have. However, both agree that the goal when working on a sequel is to find new and relevant answers for the characters and the story.
Currently, Naughty Dog is developing a new title called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a sci-fi adventure game that represents a significant shift from their previous works. The title, inspired by two of the greatest classics of sci-fi anime, is expected to be released for PS5 in the near future.
