Naughty Dog's Intergalactic Delayed Past 2026, Druckmann Calls It 'Incredible'

Fans of epic gaming adventures will need to hold their breath a bit longer as both The Witcher 4 and Naughty Dog's newly announced Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet are set to release in 2027 at the earliest. Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier confirmed on ResetEra that neither title will see the light of day in the upcoming year, sparking discussions about their target platforms. With the gaming world buzzing, it's speculated whether Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will grace the PlayStation 5, the anticipated PlayStation 6, or serve as a cross-gen title.

If Naughty Dog opts for a direct PS6 release, it might mean the studio will have skipped the entire PS5 generation for new IPs. So far, their output on Sony's current-gen console has been limited to ports, remasters, and remakes, including The Last of Us Part II, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, The Last of Us Part I, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, featuring an impressive cast led by Tati Gabrielle from the Uncharted movie as protagonist Jordan A. Mun, and Kumail Nanjiani of Marvel's Eternals as Colin Graves. Eager fans have dissected the trailer to unearth more about the cast, hinting at a larger ensemble through a crew photo.

Earlier this month, Neil Druckmann, the director behind The Last of Us, shed more light on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. In a candid discussion with Alex Garland, the writer of the zombie film 28 Days Later, Druckmann revealed that the game has been in development for four years already. He humorously reflected on the creative backlash faced by The Last of Us Part II and how Intergalactic aims to tackle themes of faith and religion, which might resonate differently with audiences.

Set in an alternate historical timeline, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet revolves around a prominent religion that has evolved over time. The narrative follows a bounty hunter, Jordan A. Mun, who crash-lands on a mysterious planet where communication has ceased for 600 years. Druckmann emphasized the unique approach of the game, where players are left to unravel the planet's history and secrets alone, without a constant ally by their side.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Screenshots

Considering the game's 2027 release window and its current four-year development timeline, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will have been in the works for six years by launch. Despite the long wait, Druckmann assured IGN at the red carpet of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere that the game is not only playable but "really good." He hinted at the depth of the gameplay, promising fans an immersive experience beyond what has been teased so far.