Naughty Dog’s New Game Intergalactic Gets Encouraging Update

Naughty Dog fans have received an unexpected and exciting update regarding the studio’s next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, as it appears as though development on the title may be further along than initially thought. While Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is likely still a few years away from release, Naughty Dog appears to be hiring localization employees for the title, which is something that usually occurs relatively far into the development process of a game.

For the past 20 years, Naughty Dog has worked solely on its two biggest IPs, The Last of Us and Uncharted. The two series are beloved by the majority of gamers, but many have been eager to see Naughty Dog put its skills toward something new. Thankfully, the community’s prayers were answered when Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was revealed at the Game Awards 2024 back in December. The brand-new, science fiction IP from Naughty Dog stars Tati Gabrielle as Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter who finds herself stranded on a remote planet while hunting down a crime syndicate known as the “Five Aces.”

Naughty Dog Reportedly Begins Localization for Intergalactic

Naughty Dog didn’t share a release date or even a launch window during the game’s initial reveal, but it didn’t take long for fans to pick up on some subtle references that suggested Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet may release in 2027. While that information has yet to be confirmed, it’s looking increasingly likely, as Naughty Dog now appears to be hiring for localization employees, a process that often occurs in the backend of video game development. Now, that’s not to say the game will be completed anytime soon, but it’s a positive sign that the development process is likely going smoothly.

Even if it was ready in time, it’s highly unlikely that fans will get to experience Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet in 2026. Not only did fellow PlayStation studio Insomniac Games recently reveal that the highly anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine will release in Fall 2026, but Rockstar Games is also gearing up to launch Grand Theft Auto 6 in May of next year. PlayStation is unlikely to want two of its titles going head-to-head, and a release at the same time as what is expected to be one of the biggest games of all time would be a recipe for disaster.

Very little has been shared about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet since its 2024 reveal, but director Neil Druckmann did recently call it “incredible.” The developer explained how he’s unable to talk much about Intergalactic, but did tease fans by stating that what was shown during the Game Awards was simply the “very, very, very tip of the iceberg.” Druckmann then says that Intergalactic goes “pretty deep beyond” what was shown in the trailer. After striking gold with Uncharted and The Last of Us, Naughty Dog is likely eager to see if lightning will strike three times with Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Based on Druckmann’s recent comments, the studio seems confident that that’s the case.