Naughty Doghas been synonymous with the PlayStation brand for decades now. Considering it has delivered a new IP with almost every generation of platforms, it’s arguable that the PlayStation brand’s success could largely be attributed to thetop-tier exclusives that Naughty Dog has created. BetweenCrash Bandicoot,Jak and Daxter,Uncharted, andThe Last of Us, there has been no shortage of outstanding creativity coming from the studio for years.
Looking into the future,Naughty Dog’s has already confirmed a new IP as one of its upcoming projects. The team seemed to reach the peak of what was capable on the base PS4 with its two main series:Uncharted 4: A Thief’s EndandThe Last of Us Part 2. News of a new IP comes to the delight of fans who would like to see the team move onto a fresh concept, something which could also be a welcome change of pace for the studio itself.
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Naughty Dog’s Shift To Darker Material
Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Usseries dives into some heavy and dark thematic material. Thecontroversial narrative ofThe Last of Us Part 2was especially brutal, with a complex narrative that featured numerous moments that were tough to watch, let alone actively control. The sequel still stands as an impressive achievement both in terms of writing and technology, but its ambitious and depressing story can be a downer.
It’s funny to compareThe Last of Us 2with the more humble, happy-go-lucky beginnings of the studio such asCrash BandicootandJak and Daxter. Even withoutThe Last of Us,Nathan Drake’s final adventureinUncharted 4: A Thief’s Endtold a more mature story than its predecessors, cementing Naughty Dog’s evolution into more nuanced and sophisticated storytelling.
This has taken its toll on fans, even the ones who adore the most recent stories to come from Naughty Dog, and stories of such profound grief do not need to consume every IP endeavor the developer embarks upon. This is why, for its next game, Naughty Dog has hopefully decided to shift gears and return to a more lighthearted style.
Returning To A Lighter Tone Like Uncharted
The Last of Us Part 2features Joel being brutally murdered, an entire village being burned to the ground, and Ellie on an unrelenting quest for vengeance. It’s a lot to take in, especially withhow longThe Last of Us Part 2ultimately is. Returning to simply having a good time and crafting a fun adventure may be the best course of action for whatever path Naughty Dog’s future IP may take.
While this isn’t to suggest that going back to the Saturday morning cartoon goofiness ofCrash Bandicootis the answer, a happy in-between would be more than welcome. A new game somewhere along the lines in tone as the first twoUnchartedgames would be perfect, as those had just the right balance between comedy, action, and dramatic weight.
The added benefit to Naughty Dog pursuing this would be that an inevitable return toThe Last of Usfranchise would feel all the more satisfying. Giving fans a break from the darkness of that universe could act as a palette cleanser, allowing Naughty Dog to stretch its creative muscles and try something different for a few years instead of immediately leaping intoThe Last of Us Part 3.
This would help all parties involved feel refreshed and ready to return to another dark story later on after seeingNaughty Dog’s return to a lighter tone. It remains to be seen what exactlyNaughty Dog has planned for this future IP, but hopefully it’s a nice change of pace from its recent creative undertakings.
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