By Naughty Dog leader Neil Druckmann has elaborated on the studio’s forthcoming new intellectual property, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, indicating that it provides the “most profound” gameplay experience of any title the studio has produced thus far. Druckmann also briefly mentioned the criticism from some individuals regarding the game’s announcement.
In conversation with Last Stand Media (via PC Gamer), Druckmann expressed that he’s “extremely, extremely thrilled” about Intergalactic, adding that “it’s the most profound gameplay we’ve ever worked on.” The exact implication of this statement remains unclear, but we anticipate uncovering more details in the future. “I can’t wait to unveil it,” Druckmann remarked.
The launch trailer for Intergalactic showcased the protagonist Jordan A. Mun inside a spacecraft prior to her landing on a planet to battle a massive robotic foe wielding a crimson sword. The trailer concluded just as the action was about to initiate, leaving us to speculate about what transpires next.
Additionally, in the interview, Druckmann responded to some of the controversy surrounding Intergalactic, particularly the sexist and bigoted remarks aimed at Tati Gabrielle, who portrays Mun.
“I’m not sure there’s much I could contribute to that discussion, to be frank,” Druckmann commented. “There’s noise in the media landscape right now that you largely have to disregard, just stay firm in your convictions, and pursue what you believe in. I think that’s how I hope artists present themselves.”
Gabrielle mentioned that she received “an abundance of support” for taking on the lead role in Naughty Dog’s new game, but there was also “a significant amount of hostility directed at me for being a woman, for being a woman of color, for shaving my head; all these factors…”
She indicated that Druckmann advised her to overlook the negativity and trust that Naughty Dog is “going to create something that we can take pride in.”
Intergalactic, which Druckmann is helming, is currently under development for PS5, but a release date has not been announced. It is not the only project that Naughty Dog is presently crafting, as they are also working on at least one additional single-player title, which Druckmann is also associated with. The specifics of this game remain unknown, although some speculate it could be The Last of Us 3.
Meanwhile, HBO’s The Last of Us television series–in which Druckmann has been involved–concludes its second season on Sunday, May 25. A third season is set to follow, and a fourth might culminate the series.
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