Naughty Doghas made a name for itself in the industry as a developer that is highly skilled at first-person linear experiences.UnchartedandThe Last of Usreally brought this studio trend to life, and with the next project atNaughty Dogbeing a huge mystery, many are wondering if the developer will stick to its established formula.
Now, a new rumor is hinting thatNaughty Dog’s next projectmight embrace open-world storytelling. Podcast host Ben Hanson recently revealed that an inside source shared with him that the next Naughty Dog game will have “a lot of player freedom.” Although he wouldn’t name the source, it has brought up past quotes from Naughty Dog director Neil Druckmann regarding his fascination withElden Ring’s environmental storytelling. If these rumors hold any weight,The Last of Uscould very well be the same stepping stone for this mysterious project thatDark Soulswas forElden Ring.
The Last of Us Setting the Stage For Naughty Dog’s Evolution
Dark Souls and The Last of Us Could Be in Similar Boats
Although both studios don’t really have much in common in terms of the projects they have developed, a potential leap in Naughty Dog’s methods could mirror FromSoftware’s bold change. TheDark Soulsseries embraced player exploration, but it was far more of a linear experience, as the maps led players along a specifically crafted labyrinth. WithElden Ring, it was a completely different way to explore a FromSoftware world’s setting. Players were given the freedom to explore freely, offering an open-world map worthy of the name. SinceDruckmann is fascinated byElden Ring’s open world, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for him to be influenced by this for Naughty Dog’s next project.
Naughty Dog Seems Ready to Experiment
If these rumors are true, this wouldn’t be the first time that Naughty Dog has attempted to shake up its established formula. Last year,The Last of Us Multiplayerwas unfortunately canceled, which could have been an exciting venture for the developer. An online multiplayer game set in the harsh world ofThe Last of Uswill live on for many as a project that once held a lot of potential. One of the most compelling aspects of the canceled game is that it would have required Naughty Dog to tell a story in a very different way. AnElden Ring-inspired approach to storytelling could have worked quite well in an online multiplayer.
The name of Naughty Dog’s next project has yet to be confirmed.
A Potential New Era For Both Naughty Dog and FromSoftware
Evolving and Embracing New Paths
AlthoughElden Ringholds many of the hallmark FromSoftware traits, the developer’s move toward a full-blown open-world experience presented a chance to evolve even further. From now on, it’s likely that future FromSoftware games will use this type of world-building until a more compelling route comes along. This could very well be the same trajectory that Naughty Dog is on.UnchartedandThe Last of Ushave defined the studio for years now, so it would be understandable for the developer to be itching to branch out into new territory.
Whateverthe future of Naughty Dogholds, it will be intriguing to see if these claims happen to be true. Whether this rumored free approach is in the nextThe Last of Uschapter or is introduced with a fresh IP, seeing how Naughty Dog translates its strong storytelling prowess into a vague open-world experience likeElden Ringis a fascinating prospect.
