Druckmann: No Plans for Last of Us Sequels

At the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann and Sony Santa Monica’s Cory Barlog discussed the pervasive theme of doubt in game development. Their hour-long conversation covered personal insecurities, identifying strong creative ideas, and the challenges of sequels. One audience question focused on character development across multiple games. Druckmann’s response was unexpected: he doesn’t plan sequels. He focuses intensely on the current project, approaching each game as if it were his last. Any sequel ideas are spontaneous, born from reflecting on unresolved elements and character arcs in the previous game. If a character's journey feels complete, he's willing to conclude their story. This approach, he explained, is evident throughout his work on The Last of Us and the Uncharted series, where each installment builds organically from its predecessor, rather than following a pre-defined roadmap. The Last of Us TV show is an exception, given its multi-season structure.

Barlog, in contrast, meticulously plans years in advance, connecting various project elements across a vast timeline. While he finds this approach creatively rewarding, he acknowledges its immense stress and the challenges of coordinating numerous people and shifting perspectives over extended periods. Druckmann admitted he lacks the confidence to plan so far ahead, preferring to focus on immediate tasks.

The conversation shifted to the inherent pressures and doubts within their careers. Druckmann shared his passion for game development, citing Pedro Pascal’s words: "It's the reason to wake up in the morning. It's why I live and breathe." He acknowledged the immense stress and negativity, including death threats, but emphasized the joy of collaborating with talented individuals and creating compelling narratives. He questioned Barlog about the point at which the relentless drive to create becomes "enough," particularly in light of a colleague's recent retirement.

Barlog’s response was candid and revealing. He admitted the drive is never-ending, a constant push fueled by internal obsession. Reaching a creative peak doesn’t bring satisfaction; it simply reveals another, taller mountain to climb. This relentless pursuit, he argued, is not always intentional but a fundamental aspect of his personality. Druckmann, while echoing the sentiment, expressed a more measured approach, aiming to gradually reduce his involvement in day-to-day operations to create opportunities for others. Barlog, in response, jokingly declared his intention to retire.