Neil Druckmann Says New Naughty Dog Game Could "Redefine Mainstream Perceptions Of Gaming"

thegamer.com:

Naughty Dog has a few projects in development that will be released before The Last of Us Part 3, with reports that one is a fantasy game. Whatever launches next, studio head Neil Druckmann says that it "could redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming".

"I've been lucky to work on several dream projects and am currently excited about a new one, which is perhaps the most thrilling yet," Druckmann said in an interview with Sony. "There's a growing appreciation for gaming that transcends all age groups, unlike when I was growing up. This shift is highlighted by our venture into television with The Last of Us, which I hoped would bridge the gap between gamers and non-gamers.

I've been lucky to work on several dream projects and am currently excited about a new one, which is perhaps the most thrilling yet.

"The show's success has spotlighted gaming, illustrating the rich, immersive experiences it offers. This visibility excites me not only for our current project but for the broader potential of gaming to captivate a global audience. I'm eager to see how this new game resonates, especially following the success of The Last of Us, as it could redefine the mainstream perceptions of gaming."

Last year, Druckmann revealed that Naughty Dog is already working on its next game, and while we don't know exactly what it is, we know what it isn't.

Naughty Dog cancelled its live-service The Last of Us Factions spin-off last year.

The Last of Us Part 3 won't launch until after this new game, so we can rule that out, and Naughty Dog said last year that it's "done" with Uncharted. It's very unlikely that the studio will be returning to the lighthearted platformer series Jak & Daxter anytime soon, so it's safe to say that it's probably a new IP.

Reportedly, it has a fantasy game in the works, so the new project may be stepping away from the post-apocalypse and contemporary treasure hunting we're used to. But aside from that, details are incredibly slim.

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