Naughty Dog's Next Game Rumored to Echo FromSoftware Style

Author: Aaliyah May 14,2025

Naughty Dog

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet promises a refreshing shift in gameplay freedom compared to the studio's past endeavors. Inspired by the expansive world of Elden Ring, the developers are set to introduce open-world exploration mechanics that allow players to roam freely. Journalist Ben Hanson has shared that the game will unfold on a single vast planet, where players will delve into the mysteries of a lost civilization and explore a new religion central to the narrative. While the extent to which the game will embody traditional open-world elements remains to be seen, it's clear that the developers are steering away from the linear gameplay of their previous titles.

In a bold move, The Heretic Prophet will be the studio's first project featuring a solitary protagonist. Neil Druckmann emphasizes the studio's goal to evoke a profound sense of isolation in an uncharted universe, while deeply exploring themes of faith and religion. The story will take place in an alternate future on the planet Sempiria, isolated from the rest of the galaxy for over 600 years, where bounty hunter Jordan Moon arrives on a mission.

Druckmann also reveals that the game's development has drawn inspiration from titles like Half-Life 2 and Monkey Island. This influence suggests a move away from conventional guidance towards a narrative style where players must actively piece together the story's fragments themselves.

The game was unveiled at TGA 2024, but a release date has yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses.