Naughty Dog has a reputation for creating some great games. Uncharted was thrilling with its action-packed gameplay, and The Last of Us had epic storytelling and unforgettable characters that went on to inspire a hit TV series. Their work on Crash Bandicoot, the earliest game I playing from the studio, also helped put PlayStation on the map. These games have left a lasting impact with their stories, and Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was assumed to be another feather in their cap.

So, there was a lot of anticipation when news about their new project Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet started making the rounds. Fans, myself included, were hoping for another incredible experience. But with the recent updates about the game, it’s hard not to feel a little underwhelmed. Although I’m still curious, the excitement I expected isn’t quite there.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Won't Release Until At Least 2027

There's A Longer Wait Than Expected For Naughty Dog's Newest Game

Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet has been highly anticipated by fans since its announcement in 2024, especially after the success of The Last of Us and Uncharted. The idea of a space-themed game from the studio brought on excitement, given the fictional setting is different than previous Naughty Dog games. Initially, many expected the game to be released in 2026. However, recent news has made it clear that we won’t see the game until at least 2027.

Jason Schreier, a journalist for Bloomberg, shared the news on the ResetEra forum, stating that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet will not be ready in 2026 as previously hoped. This delay is a big disappointment for fans, especially since The Last of Us Part II was released in 2020, leaving a long gap without a new Naughty Dog game.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet has been in development since 2020, with more than 250 employees working on it.

This delay is just the latest example of how much longer it’s taking to develop games today. As technology improves and games become more complex, studios like Naughty Dog need more time to make sure everything is perfect. While this makes sense, it’s still hard to shake the feeling that fans are being left with less content than they expected. With Intergalactic now pushed back, it could be the only new Naughty Dog game on the PS5.

Fans will have to be patient. The hope is that when Intergalactic finally releases, it will live up to the long wait and the high expectations that it will improve on previous games from the developer.

The First Intergalactic Trailer Was Fine, But Didn't Show Enough

The Trailer Was Beautiful, But DIdn't Give Enough Information

The first trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet didn’t exactly blow me away. Sure, it gave us a glimpse into the game’s space-faring world and main character, but there wasn’t enough to really get me excited. Yes, it’s just a teaser, but after waiting for so long to see what Naughty Dog has been working on, it felt a bit underwhelming.

The visuals looked great, of course. The studio has always excelled at creating stunning environments, and Intergalactic is no exception. The trailer showed some cool shots. The realistic art style was nice, with vibrant colors and detailed landscapes that hinted at the expansive universe the game will explore.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is set to start a whole new franchise, the first original story from Naughty Dog since The Last of Us.

Yet, that’s where the excitement sort of stopped. The trailer didn’t reveal much about the actual gameplay or the story beyond the main character being a bounty hunter setting her eyes on the dangerous planet Sempiria. We got a few quick shots of what might have been combat, but nothing too concrete.

While the trailer didn’t reveal much, we do know a bit about the story. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet takes place in a world based on a made-up religion and follows Jordan, a bounty hunter. The developers have built a long history for the made-up religion, which adds depth to the game’s world. The game also focuses on making players feel alone and isolated, partly because there are no non-playable allies.

Tati Gabrielle, known for her roles in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and You, has been cast as the voice of Jordan.

I know it’s early, and there’s still a lot to be revealed, but as a fan, I was hoping for something more than just a few beautiful shots and vague hints at the gameplay. Maybe as we get closer to release, we’ll see more — perhaps a deeper dive into the mechanics and the story. With any luck, the next trailer will give us something to truly get excited about.

It's Hard To Get Excited For Naughty Dog's Game When It's So Far Away

The Longer The Wait, The Less Excitement I Feel

When a game is so far off, the excitement tends to fade. There’s been a trailer, but it didn’t offer enough to keep the anticipation alive. The concept of a space-themed game sounds exciting, but with so little to go on, it’s hard to maintain interest. Other games from Naughty Dog, like The Last of Us and Uncharted, had trailers and teasers that gave fans just enough to get excited. But with Intergalactic, the details have been minimal, leaving fans in the dark.

It’s understandable that making a great game takes time, especially when it's the studio's most ambitious game yet, but when the wait stretches on for so long, it’s easy for excitement to fade. As time es, other games and announcements take the spotlight, pushing Intergalactic further down the list of anticipated titles. It’s not that the game is being forgotten, but rather that it becomes less urgent the longer it’s delayed.

The game pulls inspiration from popular animes Akira and Cowboy Bebop.

Having more updates along the way would help keep the excitement going. Gameplay footage or story details could remind fans that the game is still being developed. Right now, the lack of information on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet makes it hard to stay engaged, and it’s difficult to stay invested when there’s not enough new content to hold attention.