Naughty Dog's Next Game Rumored to Echo FromSoftware Style

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet promises to offer players a significantly more expansive experience than the studio's previous projects. Inspired by the likes of Elden Ring, the developers aim to incorporate similar open-world exploration mechanics. Journalist Ben Hanson has shared that the game will be set on a single vast planet, where players will unravel the mysteries of a vanished civilization and delve into a new religion, which will be central to the storyline. While it's still uncertain how closely the game will align with traditional open-world concepts, it's clear that the developers are steering away from the linear structures typical of their earlier works.

The Heretic Prophet marks the studio's first venture where players will navigate the game world solo, without companions or allies. As Neil Druckmann explains, the studio seeks to evoke a profound sense of solitude in an uncharted universe while exploring themes of faith and religion. The narrative unfolds in an alternate future on the planet Sempiria, isolated from the rest of the galaxy for over 600 years. It is to this mysterious world that bounty hunter Jordan Moon journeys, driven by her contract.

Druckmann also highlights that the game's development drew inspiration from classics like Half-Life 2 and Monkey Island. This suggests a move away from conventional guidance systems towards a narrative style where players must piece together the story from scattered fragments, fostering a more immersive and self-directed experience.

Announced at TGA 2024, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet does not yet have a confirmed release date. As the project evolves, it will be fascinating to see how these ambitious elements come together to redefine the studio's approach to game design and storytelling.