Naughty Dog Teases Multiple Last of Us Projects in Early Development, Delays Next Game Reveal

Naughty Dog announced two new projects set within The Last of Us universe are in very early stages of development, though the studio did not specify whether they will be games or other media adaptations. The studio also confirmed that its next original title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, will not receive substantial updates or a full reveal until 2027 after being in development since 2020.
Naughty Dog's announcement marks a significant moment for the studio's portfolio, with two new Last of Us initiatives emerging alongside a prolonged wait for original content. The developer has maintained a focused strategy since shuttering its multiplayer endeavor in 2023, redirecting resources toward single-player experiences. The studio's commitment to expanding the Last of Us narrative across unspecified media formats suggests multiple revenue streams, while the extended development timeline for Intergalactic reflects the complexity of creating new intellectual property.
This announcement may shape player expectations around major studio release schedules and franchise management. Fans invested in Naughty Dog's output could experience both extended anticipation for new original work and opportunities to engage with beloved properties through alternative formats. The decision to remain vague about the Last of Us projects' nature may influence how different entertainment sectors—gaming, streaming, film—allocate resources to competing franchises, potentially affecting industry hiring and production timelines.