A recent update from Naughty Dog’s studio president, Neil Druckmann, has sparked excitement among fans, as it suggests that the studio’s next game may be coming sooner than expected. What has been a “mystery” for fans may soon be revealed, and the wait for this highly anticipated project could soon be over.
Four Years of Waiting
It’s been over four years since Naughty Dog released its last game, The Last of Us Part 2, and fans have been eagerly waiting for the studio’s next project. During this time, the studio has been working on multiple projects, but the cancellation of The Last of Us Online last year hints that Naughty Dog may be shifting its focus toward single-player experiences. There are also rumors that the studio is working on a completely new Intellectual Property (IP), which could be its next major release. However, the release timeline for this title is still under wraps, leaving fans even more curious.
Neil Druckmann’s Hints – Is the Game Close to Completion?
A recent comment from Neil Druckmann has given fans hope that Naughty Dog’s next game might be nearing completion. In a conversation with BioShock creator Ken Levine (later removed from YouTube), Druckmann revealed that his current project has been in development since 2020. AAA games typically take five to seven years to develop, which indicates that there has been significant progress on this project. This comment may suggest that an announcement is just around the corner, making fans even more excited for what’s to come.
Sony’s Control: The Final Decision on the Announcement
Druckmann also revealed that while he has creative control over the project, Sony will have the final say when it comes to the game’s reveal. This isn’t unexpected, given Druckmann’s impressive portfolio, but it’s clear that Sony is managing the announcement process. This decision likely ties into Sony’s broader strategy, where they aim to release major single-player games each year, with centralized management of announcements across their first-party studios.
Sony’s Revised Strategy: A 2025 Announcement and 2026 Launch?
A 2025 announcement and a 2026 launch for Naughty Dog’s next game align with Sony’s revised strategy of announcing games closer to their release dates. The recent Ghost of Yotei announcement is a prime example of this new approach. Now, fans are left wondering whether the next game from Naughty Dog will be a new IP or The Last of Us Part 3. As of now, the studio is keeping its cards close to its chest, and fans will need to wait patiently for more information.
Final Thoughts – Naughty Dog’s Next Project and Fans’ Excitement
If Neil Druckmann’s hints are anything to go by, it seems that the wait for Naughty Dog’s next game is nearing its end. After four long years since The Last of Us Part 2, fans could soon see the studio’s next title earlier than expected. However, it’s still unclear whether the game will be a new IP or the next installment in The Last of Us series. Regardless, fans will likely get exciting news in 2025, and the upcoming game is sure to meet Naughty Dog’s high standards.
