Elevating Leadership: Neil Druckmann’s Vision for Nurturing the Next Generation of Studio Talent
Image by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.
The upcoming DICE 2025 convention, organized by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, commenced with an unusual event: a public hearth chat between two prominent Sony creative leaders, Neil Druckmann and Cory Barlog, from Naughty Dog and Sony Santa Monica, respectively. Typically, Sony prefers to stay away from high-profile discussions like this, making it a rare occasion for the duo to candidly discuss the peaks and valleys of creative management.
(Sony was likely more pleased with how this dialogue unfolded compared to another recent public conversation with a different PlayStation employee…)
Druckmann (who holds the title of studio president at Naughty Dog and was the executive producer for the HBO series The Last of Us based on the video game of the same name), recounted a notable story during the discussion about wrestling with self-doubt and “trusting the process.” While he and Barlog reflected on why they continue in game development despite the pressures, Druckmann emphasized his concern for studio leaders to elevate themselves to make room for emerging talent.
He recalled a conversation with Naughty Dog co-founder Jason Rubin, during which the former studio head elaborated on his choice to exit the company. “He told me ‘I’m leaving Naughty Dog, and that will create space for anyone who’s going to step up,'” Druckmann remembered. Rubin had pointed out that the rise of Evan Wells (former president and co-president of Naughty Dog) was an achievement that could only happen if he moved on.
Druckmann mentioned that this approach has shaped his perspective recently as work continues on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the studio’s first new franchise since The Last of Us launched in 2013. “I consider those opportunities… eventually when I finish this, it will open up many prospects for others. I’m gradually stepping back, becoming less involved in the daily aspects of this project.”
“Eventually, I’ll just be able to withdraw—I’m not sure how long that will take, but I think about it, and I envision all these wonderful chances for people to take on their pressure, share their ideas, be vulnerable, and engage in everything I had to.”
Druckmann and Barlog are not exiting yet
If you’re a Naughty Dog developer considering launching a Game of Thrones-style power struggle for Druckmann’s soon-to-be-vacant position, just keep your dragons horses. He and Barlog have no plans to leave their current positions anytime soon.
Despite the pressure and anxiety (which the two reflected upon extensively during their conversation), they offered insights into why they still find joy in creating games every morning. “These days, I think what gives me perspective are my children,” he shared. “I’m sitting there with my son, watching Stranger Things, and he leans over to me, and it’s like ‘this is all I need, I don’t seek much more than this.’”
“But then that drive kicks in,” he added—even though “the end” of his career continues to linger in his thoughts.
That thought is likely weighing on Druckmann, as he mentioned earlier in the conversation that he is frequently asked by those around him if he plans to transition to television or movies. His response is always “no, probably not” (but after Barlog playfully teased him about his extensive involvement with The Last of Us series, he conceded and said “I dabble”).
“There’s something incredibly compelling to me about games. They present far more uncertainties and significantly more risks.” He recounted a memorable exchange with The Last of Us lead actor Pedro Pascal, wherein the actor (presumably frustrated with Druckmann’s direction) “jokingly” asked “hey, do you appreciate art?”
“Yeah, do you appreciate art?” Druckmann recalled responding. Pascal then thoughtfully elaborated on the subject. “It’s the reason I wake up in the morning,” the lead actor expressed. “It’s what I live and breathe.”
It is noteworthy that Pascal participated in the 2023 actors strike led by SAG-AFTRA, during which union leaders continually emphasized the importance of preserving opportunities for the next generation of on-screen talent. In both games and film, “living and breathing” art is not only about inspiration and producing great work, but it also involves contemplating where the craft will be as you progress.