The Last of Us Creator Neil Druckmann Says He Never Plans for Sequels: ‘That Requires a Level of Confidence I Don’t Have’

At the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann and Sony Santa Monica's Cory Barlog discussed the pervasive issue of doubt in game development. Their hour-long conversation covered personal anxieties, creative processes, and the challenges of sequels.

A key takeaway from Druckmann's perspective on sequels was his unconventional approach: he doesn't plan for multiple games simultaneously. He focuses intensely on the current project, treating each game as a standalone entity. While occasional sequel ideas might emerge, he prioritizes fully realizing the current game's potential, rather than saving concepts for future installments. He explained his approach to sequels as looking back at unresolved elements and character arcs from previous games to determine the direction of the next, even suggesting that if there's no compelling path forward, the characters might meet their end. He cited the Uncharted series as an example, emphasizing the iterative nature of character development and plot progression across the franchise.

Barlog, in contrast, revealed a meticulously planned, long-term approach, akin to a complex conspiracy board, connecting ideas spanning a decade. He acknowledged the inherent stress and potential for setbacks due to shifting teams, personnel changes, and evolving perspectives over such extended periods.

The conversation shifted to the emotional toll of their careers, with Druckmann emphasizing his enduring love for game development as the driving force behind his work, despite the immense pressure and negativity. He shared an anecdote about Pedro Pascal's perspective on art as the reason for waking up each morning, a sentiment Druckmann deeply resonated with.

Druckmann then posed a question to Barlog regarding the point at which the relentless creative drive becomes sufficient, particularly in light of a colleague's recent retirement. Barlog's candid response highlighted the insatiable nature of creative ambition, describing it as an internal "demon" that propels him forward, even after achieving significant milestones. He illustrated this with the metaphor of conquering one mountain only to find another, taller one looming in the distance.

Druckmann, while sharing a similar sentiment, expressed a more measured approach, focusing on gradually reducing his day-to-day involvement to create opportunities for others to flourish. He mentioned the wisdom of Jason Rubin, who suggested that departures create space for growth within the company.

The conversation concluded with Barlog's humorous, yet thought-provoking, response to Druckmann's measured approach: "Very convincing. I'm going to retire."