Game

#Neil Druckmann Focused on Naughty Dog Games, Steps Away from The Last of Us TV Show

Table of Contents

Neil Druckmann Focused on Naughty Dog Games, Steps Away from The Last of Us TV Show

Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann has today revealed he is stepping away from production of The Last of Us TV series on HBO so he can put his “complete focus” on game development.

With the production of season two complete and no “meaningful work” done on the third season yet, Druckmann views this as the “right time for me to transition my complete focus to Naughty Dog and its future projects”. This will include writing and directing upcoming PS5 title Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and he’s also serving in a “producer role” on a second project that’s currently unannounced.

In a social media statement, Druckmann said working on the TV series was a “career highlight” and an honour to work alongside Craig Mazin. “I’m deeply thankful for the thoughtful approach and dedication the talented cast and crew took to adapting The Last of Us Part I and the continued adaptation of The Last of Us Part II,” he concluded.

Neil Druckmann directed an episode in each of the two seasons of HBO’s The Last of Us TV adaptation: Infected in the first season and then The Price in the second. He also served in a co-creator role throughout the entire production of the two seasons.

Druckmann has worked at Naughty Dog for more than 20 years, serving in various lead roles before 2013’s The Last of Us marked his big breakout video game hit. Since then, he has served as a creative director and writer on various Uncharted entries and The Last of Us 2. Next up is Intergalactic, though it still seems to be a few years away from a PS5 release.

[source x.com]

Liam grew up with a PlayStation controller in his hands and a love for Metal Gear Solid. Nowadays, he’s found playing the latest and greatest PS5 games as well as supporting Derby County. That last detail is his downfall.

Author Profile
Reply

1
Oram77
55m ago

Say what about you him, but he gets WAY too much hate thrown at him. But I think it’s the right call that he focuses on games, ND need him there right now. This is want from GRRM and Winds of Winter too, but he keeps getting involved in every TV show adaptation!!!

2
jimmyvalentime
52m ago

he saw the reaction to season 2 and cut his losses …

3
Deljo
52m ago

Yeah its probably time, he fuked the 2nd season just like he fuked the 2nd game. At least he’s consistent…

4
get2sammyb
52m ago

I think it’s the right call. Naughty Dog has had a sub-par generation so far, and he’s the guy in charge.

Whether his work on the TV show has played a part in that or not, he needed to focus on his day job or at the very least share his responsibilities.

I’m glad he’s decided to focus on games.

5
S1ayeR74
45m ago

We’ll lets be honest, where is it going to go after season 2? Not like they had any game story to go off is it… TLOU is done for now both game wise and programme wise.

Uncharted is what really got me in on the PS3 and 4, TLOU ONE got me in on PS3, hated TLOU 2 but that’s another story, anyway this gen? Nothing.
Where is my next Uncharted Druckman!!!

6
Anthony_Daniels
45m ago

honestly think he lost creative control and this is him leaving due to “creative differences”

There’s no way he could’ve agreed to the massive changes to the part 2 plot that fundamentally change the essence of the story.

Not to mention that Ellie is written more ace Ventura than actually the Ellie portrayed by Johnson in part 2.

7
Anthony_Daniels
43m ago

@S1ayeR74

They haven’t done Abbies story, that’s what season 3 is. Thought that was obvious?

And if they wanna stretch it out they can do a 4th season about what goes down In California since we never saw Abbies side of it either

8
Korgon
41m ago

Good to hear. I’m really excited for Intergalactic so if this helps that game come out even a little faster then it’s was the right call.

9
Lavishturtle
34m ago

Now if he would step away from gaming then Naughty Dog might have a chance to make good games again.

10
MrMeeeseeeks
31m ago

What exactly was his role in the show? The story was already written. Was he just there for morale? 😂

Either way, I don’t think it’s been the success they hoped it would be (and should have been if they had better casting). Worst mistake ever casting Bella and Pedro. Bella can’t act and Pedro needs to take a break for several years at least. Tired of seeing him in everything.

Is there still time to change that dreadful title of ND’s next game? Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

11
get2sammyb
29m ago

@MrMeeeseeeks He was a co-writer and also directed some of the episodes.

12
wildcat_kickz
25m ago

@MrMeeeseeeks Dude, it’s like HBO’s biggest hit since Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. What are you on about?

13
wildcat_kickz
21m ago

The amount of hate that Druckmann gets is, frankly, absurd. I’ve never seen so many unhinged comments on this website than when he’s referenced in an article.

14
ATaco
18m ago

@Anthony_Daniels
I dunno man, if you check out interviews with him it seems like that’s exactly the way he wanted it to go. If anything, he probably had a bit TOO much input on the show.