Summary
Naughty Dog has seemingly confirmed that its upcoming game,Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, will be the first release in a franchise. While Neil Druckmann recently stated that the game is still a work in progress and its final form remains uncertain, the studio appears confident that moreIntergalacticgames or media will follow.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophetis expected to be a third-personaction-adventure game with an emphasis on melee combat. Set 2,000 years in the future, the game features a retrofuturistic aesthetic inspired by the ’80s, as seen in its announcement trailer. The story follows Jordan A. Mun, a space bounty hunter, on a mission to take down a crime syndicate, which ultimately leaves her stranded on the mysterious planet Sempiria.
Whiledetails on Naughty Dog’sIntergalactic: The Heretic Prophetremain scarce, a new job listing seems to confirm that the game is being developed as a franchise rather than a standalone title. This won’t come as a surprise to observant fans, as the game’s December 2024 announcement trailer on YouTube already referred to it as PlayStation 5’s “newest franchise in development.” However, Naughty Dog’s official acknowledgment reinforces the likelihood of future content, possibly including a sequel on Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 6. For those curious, the job listing in question is for a senior melee gameplay animator—further evidence that the game will have a strong focus on melee combat.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Might Just Be the Beginning
Intergalacticbeing labeled a franchise is significant for Naughty Dog fans, especially given the studio’s recent success withThe Last of Usseries on HBO. This raises the possibility of non-game media, such as a live-action adaptation or TV series. However, consideringNaughty Dog’s track record of critically acclaimed games, the more likely scenario is that the studio is already laying the groundwork for futureIntergalacticinstallments, seemingly anticipating its potential success.
Looking at one of Naughty Dog’s biggest franchises,The Last of Us, could offer insight into whatIntergalacticmight become.The Last of Ushas expanded beyond video gaming with a tabletop game, a comic book, a live show, and a TV adaptation. IfIntergalacticachieves similar success, it could follow an identical path into various media. However, that depends on whether it can overcome the controversies that followed its announcement. For those unaware,Intergalactic’s trailer received a wave of dislikeson YouTube, with criticism ranging from accusations of it being a “woke” game to complaints about excessive product placement.
