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 theme of doubt in game development. Their hour-long conversation covered self-doubt, recognizing successful ideas, and approaching character development across multiple games.

Druckmann surprisingly revealed he doesn't plan sequels beforehand. He focuses intensely on the current project, approaching each game as if it were his last. Any sequel ideas are spontaneous, integrated organically, rather than pre-planned elements. He uses past games as a springboard, identifying unresolved elements and character arcs. If a character's journey feels complete, he's even suggested ending their story. The Uncharted series exemplifies this approach; each installment built upon the previous, organically developing the narrative and character of Nathan Drake.

Barlog, conversely, employs a long-term, meticulously planned approach, connecting current projects to ideas conceived years prior. While he finds this method creatively fulfilling, he acknowledges its immense stress and the challenges of coordinating numerous individuals and evolving perspectives across multiple projects. This long-term planning requires a level of confidence Druckmann doesn't possess, preferring to concentrate on the immediate tasks at hand.

The discussion shifted to the emotional toll of game development. Druckmann shared an anecdote about Pedro Pascal's perspective on art as the driving force behind his work, a sentiment Druckmann deeply resonated with. He acknowledged the immense stress, including negative feedback and threats, but ultimately, the passion for game creation outweighs the challenges.

Druckmann's reflection on his career, prompted by Barlog, touched upon the question of when enough is enough. He emphasized the eventual creation of opportunities for others as a motivating factor for his continued work, gradually reducing his day-to-day involvement to foster the growth of future talent. Barlog's response highlighted the relentless nature of creative drive, describing the never-ending pursuit of the "next mountain" even after achieving significant success. He humorously concluded with a statement of impending retirement, a stark contrast to Druckmann's measured approach to his own future.