Even after alluding to more in store for The Last of Us, Naughty Dog president Neil Druckmann’s focus is on Intergalactic, allegedly targeting mid-2027 launch. However, creative Shaun Escayg is also seemingly working on something and based on a recent Instagram picture, it could be Uncharted.
The image shows an old cannon on a wall overlooking a city by the sea. It would come across as a neat vacation photo if Escayg didn’t put the caption, “Research…” Research for what exactly? He didn’t say, but considering how much it lines up with Nathan Drake’s entire profile of gallivanting around, exploring ruins, and even dealing with pirates, what else but Uncharted?
A new title in the series wouldn’t be too surprising at this point. After all, Naughty Dog previously wrote that it has several “ambitious, brand new” single-player titles in the works (that “brand new” seemingly indicating that they’re not remakes). There’s also the rumor that Escayg has been working on an unannounced project for almost four years now, which may be the same that Druckmann is producing.
Could it be something out of left field, like, say, a new Jak and Daxter? Sure, but given that it’s been nearly a decade since Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – not to mention Escayg serving as co-director on Uncharted: The Lost Legacy – you’d have to think that Drake is gearing up for a return. Hopefully, we’ll learn more later this year.