PlayStation players have waited nearly seven years for Naughty Dog's next original IP, and that silence is drawing scrutiny. The delay matters because it highlights a broader tension between studio ambition and sustainable development cycles. Former designer Benson Russell recently questioned whether the studio's current process can support timely releases without compromising quality.
Former employee warns scope issues could delay the PS5 exclusive
The title in question is Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Russell, now with FRVR, described Naughty Dog as a key stakeholder in PlayStation console sales. He pointed out that the studio has not released a new original IP for the PS5 since The Last of Us Part II launched in 2020.
Russell theorized that the long development time might stem from scope issues similar to those faced during The Last of Us Part II. He suggested that the game's scope may have grown too large for the story it was telling. This pattern of scope creep can extend project timelines significantly, as seen in the seven-year gap since their last major release.
According to Russell, defining a clear 'North Star' early in development could reduce project timelines from seven years to five or less. This structural change might help the studio deliver games more consistently. We've been tracking Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet closely — see our earlier coverage on Naughty Dog QA Listings Hint at Intergalactic for more context on the game's progress.
Naughty Dog remains a critical pillar for the PlayStation ecosystem. The upcoming release of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will be the studio's first new original IP for the current console generation.
Source: NotebookCheck
