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[UPDATE] Neil Druckmann clarified his comments on social media. In particular, he says he never said one of the most-discussed lines from the interview, which is that one of Naughty Dog’s new games could “redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming.” Druckmann posted his own transcript from the interview, and it does not included this line. As you can see in his statement below, and the breakdown by reporter Stephen Totilo, the published interview is quite different from what Druckmann says he said.
The original story is below.
Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann has teased the company’s next game and discussed how he believes artificial intelligence can help shape the future of video game development.
In an interview on Sony’s website, Druckmann said he’s working on potentially the “most thrilling” game he’s ever been part of. He didn’t share specifics, but he said he believes it could “redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming.” He didn’t elaborate on that point specifically, but he did highlight how the success of HBO’s The Last of US TV show demonstrates that there is a growing fondness for gaming that “transcends all age groups,” which is a marked contrast from when Druckmann was growing up.
“This shift is highlighted by our venture into television with The Last of Us, which I hoped would bridge the gap between gamers and non-gamers. The show’s success has spotlighted gaming, illustrating the rich, immersive experiences it offers. This visibility excites me not only for our current project but for the broader potential of gaming to captivate a global audience. I’m eager to see how this new game resonates, especially following the success of The Last of Us,” he said.
Naughty Dog is working on multiple games currently, and they have been described as “ambitious” and “brand-new.” These will be single-player games. Naughty Dog previously planned to expand into multiplayer in a big way with its The Last of Us multiplayer game, but it was ultimately canceled.
Also in the interview, Druckmann spoke optimistically–as many have before him–about the prospects for how AI can potentially positively impact video game development in the future.
“AI is really going to revolutionize how content is being created, although it does bring up some ethical issues we need to address,” he said. “With technologies like AI and the ability to do motion capture right from home, we’re reducing both costs and technical hurdles, opening the door for us to take on more adventurous projects and push the boundaries of storytelling in games. This evolution is truly empowering creators to bring their visions to life without the traditional obstacles.”
He added: “AI will allow us to create nuanced dialogues and characters, expanding creative possibilities. However, it’s crucial to precisely direct these tools to achieve the intended outcomes.”
Naughty Dog’s new games have not been announced yet, and there is no word on when they might be. Many believe there could be another PlayStation Showcase event on tap soon, but Sony has yet to confirm anything on that front. Keep checking back with GameSpot for the latest.
As for the HBO series, The Last of Us Season 2 is filming now and is expected to release in 2025.
The Last Of Us Season 2: Release Window, Cast, And Everything Else We Know So Far
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