Uncharted Returns: Naughty Dog Reportedly Developing New Game Directed by Lost Legacy Lead
A new Uncharted game is reportedly in development at Naughty Dog! Get details on director Shaun Escayg, Nathan Drake, and release plans.
Acclaimed PlayStation studio Naughty Dog is reportedly developing a brand-new entry in its blockbuster action-adventure franchise, Uncharted. According to industry reports from outlet MP1st, the project is being directed by franchise veteran Shaun Escayg, who previously served as creative director and writer on 2017’s Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. Neither Sony Interactive Entertainment nor Naughty Dog has officially announced the title, but sources indicate the project is a completely original, full-scale sequel rather than a remake or remaster.
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Is Nathan Drake Returning in the New Uncharted Game?
Fan speculation regarding the protagonist remains high following the conclusion of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. While reports confirm that legendary treasure hunter Nathan Drake will appear in the upcoming game, sources have not verified whether he will serve as the primary playable character, a secondary companion, or make a brief story cameo.
The narrative foundation for a legacy continuation was established in the epilogue of Uncharted 4, where Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher’s teenage daughter, Cassie Drake, discovers her parents’ treasure-hunting past. Many industry analysts speculate that Cassie could step into the lead role, mentored by her parents or veteran allies like Chloe Frazer and Victor “Sully” Sullivan.
Who Is Directing the Next Uncharted Game?
Director Shaun Escayg brings extensive pedigree back to the series. After serving as lead cinematic animator on earlier Naughty Dog titles and directing Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, Escayg briefly departed the studio to serve as creative director on Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers at Crystal Dynamics. Upon returning to Naughty Dog, Escayg was tasked with leading this new chapter in the Uncharted universe.
The report marks a surprising pivot for the franchise. In 2023, Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann indicated that the studio felt comfortable moving past the series following the massive commercial success of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. However, Escayg’s return suggests PlayStation is ready to revitalize one of its primary flagship intellectual properties on the PlayStation 5.
When Will the New Uncharted Game Release?
According to internal timeline expectations outlined in the report, the new Uncharted entry is slated to be Naughty Dog’s next release following their upcoming science-fiction project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. A potential The Last of Us Part III would then follow later in the studio’s production pipeline.
The Uncharted franchise has remained largely dormant since 2017’s standalone expansion The Lost Legacy, with its only recent appearance being 2022’s Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for PS5 and PC via Steam.
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