Naughty Dog’s Most Expensive Game Could Be Intergalactic
Naughty Dog is a studio known for its massive productions like Uncharted and The Last of Us. However, the company’s new sci-fi game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, looks set to surpass its predecessors with both its ambitious story and massive budget. Neil Druckmann’s recent statements suggest that the game may not only be the studio’s most creative project, but also its most expensive.
Intergalactic: Naughty Dog’s Biggest Bet
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was announced on stage at The Game Awards in December 2024, marking Naughty Dog’s return with a new brand after more than a decade. The trailer highlighted the game’s protagonist, Jordan A. Mun, and its ’80s-inspired atmosphere. Druckmann had stated from day one that this game would be the studio’s creative pinnacle.
Speaking to Variety recently, Druckmann shared new information about the game’s development. Announcing that the project has reached a playable stage, Druckmann stated that the process is intensifying, saying, “We’re building it, we’re playing it.” He also reiterated that Intergalactic is the largest and most ambitious project in Naughty Dog’s history.
Naughty Dog’s most expensive production to date was The Last of Us Part 2. After nearly six years of development, the game’s cost is reported to have exceeded $220 million. However, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, with its rising AAA production costs, stellar cast, and licensed music, is poised to break that record. Druckmann’s statement, “It will perhaps be our most expensive game,” has further fueled expectations.
Druckmann also emphasized that what players have seen so far doesn’t reflect the game’s essence. The veteran director noted that it’s too early to release a new trailer, and that rushing a release would be “unwise.” This means new details about the game will take some time.
