Naughty Dog’s ambitious sci-fi project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, is shaping up to be one of PlayStation 5’s most intriguing exclusives—but fans hoping for a 2025 or 2026 release may want to reset their expectations. According to respected journalist and insider Jason Schreier, the Uncharted and The Last of Us developer’s latest title is still several years away.
A Tease with a Hidden Message
Unveiled at The Game Awards 2024, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was presented with a striking cinematic trailer that hinted at a retro-futuristic universe, filled with religious overtones and themes of exploration and identity. Sharp-eyed fans noticed a possible release year nod embedded in the trailer, subtly suggesting 2027 as the target window.
This theory now appears more plausible after Schreier confirmed on ResetEra that the game is indeed a long-term project. Responding to speculation about upcoming AAA releases, Schreier wrote:
“I’m pretty sure I said both [announcements] were going to be early teasers. Neither of those games are coming out next year.“
The other title he referenced is The Witcher 4, which CD Projekt RED previously confirmed won’t be launching until at least 2027.
Naughty Dog’s Ambitious Vision
Although no gameplay has been shown yet, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is already drawing attention for its bold creative inspirations. According to early developer commentary, the game draws from acclaimed anime like Akira and Cowboy Bebop, blending a sleek sci-fi aesthetic with deep philosophical themes about faith, belief, and morality.
The exploration and decision-making systems are reportedly inspired by FromSoftware titles like Elden Ring, suggesting a more open-ended approach to gameplay and world-building—potentially a significant shift from Naughty Dog’s traditionally linear design philosophy.
More Projects in the Works at Naughty Dog
In addition to Intergalactic, sources suggest that Naughty Dog has another major game in development, separate from The Last of Us Part 3. While details remain scarce, the studio has been internally reorganizing since the cancellation of The Last of Us Online at the end of 2023, shifting focus back to single-player experiences.
With multiple projects in the pipeline and Intergalactic aiming for franchise potential, Naughty Dog is clearly planning its next era with cinematic ambition and long-term storytelling in mind.
Stay tuned for more updates as Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet continues to evolve into one of the most anticipated new IPs for the PlayStation 5.