Gamers hoping for a high-definition revival of Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series should temper their expectations. The original trilogy remains fully playable on current PlayStation consoles, making a technical overhaul redundant for most players. This accessibility means fans can already experience the classic story without waiting for a new release.
Former Naughty Dog developer argues original trilogy remains culturally relevant
Benson Russell, a former designer at Naughty Dog who worked on the first three Uncharted games and The Last of Us, has publicly opposed any remake or remaster. He argues that the franchise remains culturally relevant and that the existing versions deliver the intended experience effectively. His position highlights a wider discussion within the gaming industry regarding the merits of updating classic games.
Russell believes that remaking Uncharted would fundamentally alter the original work. He explains that improving the game would require rewriting the entire story, which would change the spirit and key scenes of the first installment. He argues that altering the original work would undermine its core identity instead of respecting it.
The designer notes that remakes make sense for older titles with poor modern controls, citing System Shock as a valid example. In contrast, he proposes that Naughty Dog should create a new game set in an earlier era. This new title would capture the spirit of the original series without altering the existing Uncharted narrative.
Russell’s comments clarify that the original Uncharted games do not need technical updates to remain viable. He maintains that the current versions are sufficient for modern audiences. The focus for the developer should instead be on new intellectual property that respects the legacy of the franchise.
Source: VideoGameChronicles
