Naughty Dog's Bold Departure: A Radical Shift from The Last of Us

Naughty Dog's long-standing association with the PlayStation brand has greatly contributed to its success over the years. With each generation of platforms, the studio has consistently delivered new and innovative IPs such as Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us. These top-tier exclusives have showcased Naughty Dog's exceptional creativity.

Looking ahead, Naughty Dog has confirmed the development of a new IP for its upcoming projects. Having already pushed the limits of the base PS4 with Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and The Last of Us Part 2, the team's announcement of a new IP has generated excitement among fans. This fresh concept promises to offer a welcome change of pace for both the studio and its dedicated audience.

Naughty Dog's Shift To Darker Material

The Last of Us series by Naughty Dog delves into intense and somber thematic material. The controversial narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 was particularly brutal, featuring a complex story that included many difficult moments to witness, let alone control. Despite this, the sequel remains an impressive accomplishment in terms of both writing and technology. However, its ambitious and melancholic storyline can be quite disheartening.

It is interesting to contrast The Last of Us 2 with Naughty Dog's earlier, more lighthearted endeavors such as Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter. Even without The Last of Us, the final adventure of Nathan Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End presented a more mature narrative compared to its predecessors, solidifying Naughty Dog's progression towards more nuanced and sophisticated storytelling.

This has taken a toll on fans, even those who passionately love Naughty Dog's most recent stories. It is unnecessary for every IP endeavor the developer undertakes to be consumed by stories of profound grief. Therefore, it is hopeful that Naughty Dog has decided to shift gears and return to a more lighthearted style for its next game.

Returning To A Lighter Tone Like Uncharted

With Joel's brutal murder, the destruction of an entire village, and Ellie's relentless pursuit of revenge, The Last of Us Part 2 presents a harrowing and lengthy experience. As Naughty Dog contemplates their future IP, perhaps returning to a more enjoyable and lighthearted adventure would be the optimal direction to take.

A potential solution, instead of reverting to the lightheartedness of the Saturday morning cartoon style seen in Crash Bandicoot, would be to find a happy medium. A game that strikes a similar tone to the first two Uncharted games would be ideal, as they successfully balanced comedy, action, and dramatic weight.

By pursuing this approach, Naughty Dog would also reap the benefits of making a return to The Last of Us franchise all the more gratifying. Providing fans with a respite from the darkness of that universe could serve as a refreshing break, allowing Naughty Dog to explore new creative avenues and venture into something different for a few years before diving straight into The Last of Us Part 3.

It is yet to be determined what Naughty Dog has in store for their upcoming IP, but it is anticipated that it will provide a refreshing shift from their recent endeavors, allowing all parties involved to feel rejuvenated and prepared to delve into another intense narrative in the future.