Naughty Dog Canceled a Single Player Game This Year, Yet Another Unannounced Project Remains in Development

Naughty Dog Canceled a Single Player Game This Year, Yet Another Unannounced Project Remains in Development

Naughty Dog Cancels Unannounced Game Amid Development Changes

Recent reports from insider Daniel Ritchman on his paywalled Patreon page reveal that the esteemed developer Naughty Dog, known for its groundbreaking storytelling and immersive gameplay, has quietly terminated an unannounced single-player project earlier this year. This decision follows the cancellation of The Last of Us Online, a multiplayer venture that was cancelled due to concerns over shifting the studio’s focus towards live-service games, as cautioned by Bungie’s insights into that operational model.

The Last of Us Online and Its Lead

Initially led by Vinit Agarwal—who contributed as a Game Designer on notable titles like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and The Last of Us Part II— the game’s development faced an abrupt halt while it was still in a nascent stage. Following the cancellation, Agarwal departed from Naughty Dog, marking a significant shift in the studio’s personnel and project trajectory.

New Developments on the Horizon

Furthermore, Ritchman indicates that Naughty Dog is not entirely without projects. The studio is currently working on another unannounced single-player title, which is reportedly further along in its development—having begun approximately three years ago. This upcoming title is directed by Shaun Escayg, who rejoined Naughty Dog in April 2021 after a short tenure as the Director on the critically panned Marvel’s Avengers at Crystal Dynamics. Escayg has an impressive background, having previously served as the Lead Cinematic Animator on The Last of Us and Uncharted 4, and more recently directing Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.

What Lies Ahead?

While details about the new game remain sparse, industry analysts suggest fans can expect more information within the next couple of years, which aligns with the typical development timelines for AAA games. Meanwhile, Naughty Dog’s primary focus is on their exciting new sci-fi intellectual property, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, announced at The Game Awards 2024. Directed by Neil Druckmann, the influential president of Naughty Dog and creator of The Last of Us, this action/adventure title aims to create a distinctive atmosphere of solitude—contrasting with the usual team dynamics present in previous games. Notably, the theme of religion will be pivotal in the narrative.

Release Timeline Speculation

As for a launch date for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, seasoned journalist Jason Schreier from Bloomberg speculates that it is unlikely to arrive before 2027. The game is set to release initially on PlayStation 5, with a PC version expected to follow later.

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