Neil Druckmann has hinted at a new Naughty Dog game that’s been in development since 2020, but Sony reportedly controls the announcement timing. Could this be a brand-new IP?
Naughty Dog is a name that’s almost synonymous with storytelling excellence in gaming. The studio’s hits include the iconic Uncharted series and The Last of Us franchise, both of which have set benchmarks for narrative-driven games.
Naughty Dog released the remastered version of the critically acclaimed The Last of Us Part 2, bringing the original masterpiece to the PS5. However, fans have been anxiously awaiting news about the studio’s next big single-player game.
Earlier this year, Neil Druckmann, the creative mind behind The Last of Us series, confirmed that there’s a third chapter to The Last of Us story. Fast forwarding to today, during an online panel discussion with BioShock creator Ken Levine, Druckmann reportedly shared new details about his next project.
Although the video has since been set to private, fans quickly captured key highlights, which surfaced on Reddit shortly after.
A New Naughty Dog Game In Development Since 2020
In the now-private livestream, Druckmann seemingly revealed that his next game has been in the works since 2020. Druckmann emphasized that while Sony has granted him full creative control over the development of the game, they’re the ones holding the reins when it comes to deciding how and when it will be announced.
Given that the game has been in development since 2020, we could be looking at an official reveal as early as 2025 — possibly during a major PlayStation Showcase. If Sony chooses to hold off for a more refined reveal, a 2026 launch window seems like a realistic expectation.
At this point, it’s unclear whether this mysterious project is a brand-new IP or a new installment in one of Naughty Dog’s existing franchises.
What do you think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
