Naughty Dog Clarifies: Neil Druckmann Didn’t Say Next Game Will “Redefine Gaming”

Hold on to your DualShocks, gamers! A recent interview with Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann caused a stir, with claims that their next game could “redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming.” However, there’s been a twist: Druckmann himself has clarified his remarks.

The Original Statement:

News outlets reported that Druckmann, in an interview with Sony, expressed his belief that Naughty Dog’s next project could be a genre-defining experience. Headlines blared with phrases like “redefine mainstream gaming” and “the most exciting yet.” This naturally sent the gaming community into a frenzy of speculation.

Setting the Record Straight:

Here’s the catch: Druckmann took to X/Twitter to clarify his comments. He acknowledged discussing Naughty Dog’s excitement for their current project and its potential to resonate with audiences, but he emphasized that his words were “not quite what [he] said.” Apparently, the editing process for the interview resulted in a slight misrepresentation of his original statement.

Druckmann’s Actual Words:

According to Druckmann, his original response focused on the team’s enthusiasm for the project and its potential to captivate players, especially following the success of The Last of Us Part II. He did mention the broader potential of gaming to reach new audiences, but the claim of “redefining” the entire industry wasn’t his primary message.

What This Means:

So, what does this mean for Naughty Dog’s next game? While the project undoubtedly holds a special place within the studio, it’s likely not a revolutionary title poised to rewrite the rulebook of gaming. We can still expect a high-quality, narrative-driven experience from the creators of Uncharted and The Last of Us, but the focus seems to be more on delivering a captivating story within the established gaming landscape.

The Hype Continues:

Despite the clarification, the hype surrounding Naughty Dog’s next game remains strong. The studio’s proven track record ensures gamers are eagerly awaiting more information. While we don’t have a confirmed title or genre yet, Druckmann’s passion for the project is certainly contagious.

In editing my rambling answers in my recent interview with SONY, some of my words, context, and intent were unfortunately lost. Well, here's the full long rambling answer for the final question about our future game… pic.twitter.com/tVuxX3LYJF

— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) May 25, 2024