Naughty Dog has a new Uncharted project in development, according to reporting from Kotaku. The studio has not publicly announced the game, and details remain scarce beyond confirmation that work is underway.
The franchise has been dormant since Uncharted 4: A Thief's End shipped in 2016, followed by the standalone prequel Uncharted: The Lost Legacy in 2017. Developer Naughty Dog then shifted focus entirely to the Last of Us universe, releasing The Last of Us Part II in 2020 and supporting that title for years afterward. The studio has spent the past several years developing The Last of Us Part I, a full remake of the original 2013 game that launched on PlayStation 5 in September 2022 before arriving on PC in 2024.
The return to Uncharted represents a strategic pivot for Naughty Dog as it balances multiple flagship franchises. Sony has invested heavily in the Uncharted IP beyond games, including the 2022 film adaptation starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, which grossed over 400 million dollars globally. A sequel to that film has been in development limbo, making the return of the video game series a natural move for brand momentum.
Whether Nathan Drake will return as the protagonist remains the biggest open question. Uncharted 4 concluded his story conclusively, with the character settling into retirement. The Lost Legacy instead centered on Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross as leads, proving the franchise could function without Drake as the central figure. That template could work again, or Naughty Dog might explore a completely fresh character set within the Uncharted universe. A prequel following younger Drake would also align with the structure of other major action franchises that span multiple eras.
The franchise's gameplay blend of narrative-driven action, platforming, puzzle solving, and linear spectacle has aged well. Uncharted 4 remains one of PlayStation's most technically polished experiences. However, the industry has shifted since 2017. Open-world design now dominates AAA development, and players expect deeper character customization, extended playtime, and player agency. Naughty Dog's signature approach of tightly controlled, cinematic storytelling still finds audiences, but this new Uncharted will need to demonstrate whether that formula remains competitive in 2024 and beyond.
Naughty Dog currently operates with multiple teams in parallel. One continues supporting The Last of Us universe, while this new Uncharted project signals the studio's intention to leverage both of its major IP holdings simultaneously. That approach mirrors Sony's broader strategy of distributing its biggest franchises across multiple studios and mediums to maximize engagement and revenue.
No release date, platform exclusivity, or gameplay details have surfaced. Sony will likely coordinate any formal announcement with its next major PlayStation showcase or industry event.