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

Naughty Dog CEO Neil Druckmann recently revealed the challenges of keeping the studio's new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, under wraps. The pressure intensified amid fan frustration over the studio's focus on remasters and remakes.

Keeping Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet a Secret

The Difficulty of Secrecy

Druckmann shared with The New York Times the immense difficulty of keeping the new project secret for years. He acknowledged the growing fan sentiment expressed on social media: "Enough with the remasters and remakes! Where are your new games and new IPs?" 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

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 where space travel is highly advanced, players assume the role of Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on the enigmatic planet Sempiria. Its perilous history claims those who attempt to uncover its secrets, challenging Jordan to use her skills to survive and potentially become the first to return in over 600 years.

Druckmann described the story 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).