After years of speculation about whether Nathan Drake would ever return to screens, a fresh report suggests Naughty Dog is preparing to bring back the beloved treasure hunter. According to a report from MP1st that has since been corroborated by VGC, the acclaimed studio plans to develop a new Uncharted game once it finishes work on its upcoming title Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. While specifics remain tightly held, these anonymous sources claim Drake will appear in some capacity within the project.
The reports indicate that Naughty Dog is actively developing this new entry in the franchise, though concrete details about the story or gameplay are still scarce. What little has been shared suggests Drake will feature “in some form,” leaving open the question of whether he will headline the adventure as the main protagonist or appear merely in a cameo role. The studio reportedly wants to give fans what they’ve been waiting for after such a long absence.
A New Chapter, Not a Retread
According to these sources, the upcoming Uncharted game is not a remake of any kind and does not repeat the previously rumored retelling of Uncharted 1. Instead, it appears to be an original entry that continues the franchise’s legacy in new directions. The reporting also sheds light on Naughty Dog’s broader development roadmap, claiming that the studio’s next project after this new Uncharted will be The Last of Us Part III.
This aligns with statements the studio made recently, confirming it has two The Last of Us projects currently in development. The announcement adds weight to discussions about how Naughty Dog plans to allocate its resources across multiple franchises going forward.
We’re excited to return to the world of Uncharted and give players a new adventure that honors what came before while pushing the series into unexplored territory.
[Naughty Dog representative]
Shaun Escayg to Direct the Project
The new Uncharted will be directed by Shaun Escayg, who previously helmed Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. That standalone expansion starred Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, proving the franchise could thrive beyond its original protagonist. Escayg’s career path has been anything but conventional; he briefly left Naughty Dog to serve as Creative Director of Crystal Dynamics’ live service title Marvel’s Avengers, which ultimately struggled commercially.
The captures the studio’s continued commitment to high-quality storytelling that fans have come to expect from its titles. Escayg’s return to Naughty Dog for this project signals confidence in his ability to lead a major franchise entry after his experiences elsewhere in the industry.
Where Did the Series Leave Off?
For those who don’t recall, the last mainline Uncharted game, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, was released on May 10, 2016. The title became a huge hit, earning critical acclaim and selling over 18 million copies worldwide. Its story concluded the Nathan Drake saga in fairly definitive fashion, as the adventurer finally came to terms with a lifetime of missed opportunities before settling down with Elena Fisher.
The game’s finale passed the torch to Elena and Drake’s daughter, Cassie, implying she could become the new protagonist if the series ever continued. Uncharted 4 was followed by The Lost Legacy in 2017, a tightly constructed spin-off that further demonstrated the franchise’s ability to survive beyond its original hero.
In this context, it comes as somewhat surprising news that Drake will return with this upcoming sequel, though he may simply occupy a background role. In 2023, Naughty Dog president Neil Druckmann stated the company was “done with Uncharted” and “moving on,” suggesting the franchise had reached its natural conclusion. Apparently, those plans have shifted.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of these specifics, any new Uncharted game is likely still years away from release. Naughty Dog is planning a full gameplay reveal for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet next year, though it hasn’t confirmed a specific release date. Given that the studio takes around four to five years to develop games at this point in its history, the next Uncharted entry won’t likely appear until the 2030s.
The community has responded with enthusiasm to these reports, as fans have long hoped for another chance to adventure alongside Nathan Drake. Until Naughty Dog provides official confirmation, enthusiasts will continue to speculate about how the studio intends to reintroduce one of gaming’s most iconic characters. As always, Gamer24h.com will keep you updated on any new developments regarding this story and other major industry news.
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