Naughty Dog, the studio behind iconic franchises like Crash Bandicoot, Jak & Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us, has unveiled its latest project: Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This new sci-fi IP has sparked excitement and speculation, particularly among fans who have long awaited a return to the Jak and Daxter universe. The game’s reveal trailer offers tantalizing glimpses into a new world and a compelling protagonist, but it also hints at a connection to a canceled installment in the Jak series.
While Naughty Dog achieved mainstream success with the more mature narratives of Uncharted and The Last of Us, the studio’s roots lie in vibrant platformers. Jak & Daxter, a beloved franchise from the PS2 era, represented a significant step in the studio’s evolution. Plans for a Jak 4 were once in motion, with development even running concurrently with Uncharted 3. However, creative differences led to the project’s cancellation, paving the way for The Last of Us.
After a decade focused on Uncharted and The Last of Us, Naughty Dog’s announcement of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet marks a departure into uncharted territory. The game centers on a bounty hunter embarking on a perilous quest across a desolate planet. The focus on melee combat, showcased by the protagonist’s prominent use of a sword in the trailer, suggests a shift from the studio’s recent emphasis on gunplay.
alt text: A screenshot from the Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet trailer showcasing the protagonist facing a large, menacing robot.
The connection to the canceled Jak 4 stems from the appearance of a colossal robot in the Intergalactic trailer. This imposing figure bears a striking resemblance to a robot design found in concept art for Jak 4. The similarity has ignited speculation among fans, with the Jak & Daxter fan page @eco_community on Twitter highlighting the potential link. While it could be coincidental, the resemblance is compelling, especially given Jak 4‘s more realistic sci-fi direction. Repurposing existing assets and design elements is a common practice in game development, making it plausible that Naughty Dog drew inspiration from Jak 4 for their new project.
The development timeline for Intergalactic is also a point of interest. With development beginning around June 2020, the project coincided with the global pandemic, likely presenting significant production challenges. Naughty Dog is also confirmed to be working on The Last of Us Part 3, further complicating release predictions for Intergalactic. A 2025 release seems unlikely, especially with the anticipated arrival of Grand Theft Auto VI in the fall.
A 2026 release window appears more realistic, allowing Rockstar’s highly anticipated title its time in the spotlight. Naughty Dog’s approach to marketing and reveals for Intergalactic remains to be seen. The studio’s decision to disable comments on the reveal trailer, following online backlash regarding the protagonist’s design, adds another layer of intrigue to the game’s development and eventual release.
The future of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is full of promise and potential. Whether it truly incorporates elements from the canceled Jak 4 or forges an entirely new path, Naughty Dog’s latest venture is poised to be a significant addition to the studio’s impressive portfolio.
