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 engaged in a candid discussion about doubt in game creation. Their hour-long conversation covered personal insecurities, discerning viable ideas, and the challenges of character development across multiple games.

A question about sequel development prompted a surprising response from Druckmann: he doesn't plan sequels beforehand. He focuses intensely on the current project, approaching each game as a standalone work. While occasional sequel ideas might surface, he prioritizes fully realizing the current game's potential, rather than saving concepts for future installments. He stated, "I just approach it as, ‘what if I never get to do another one?’" This approach extends to most of his work, with the exception of the Last of Us TV show, which he knows will span multiple seasons. For sequels, he revisits unresolved elements and character arcs from previous games, determining if there's a compelling direction; if not, he considers concluding the character's story. He uses the example of the Uncharted series, emphasizing the iterative nature of their development, focusing on avoiding repetition and exploring new avenues for character growth.

Barlog, in contrast, revealed a meticulously planned, interconnected approach to his projects, often connecting current work with ideas conceived years prior. He acknowledged the inherent stress and potential for setbacks due to shifting teams, perspectives, and evolving preferences over time.

Druckmann expressed a lack of the confidence needed for Barlog's long-term planning, preferring to concentrate on immediate tasks. He highlighted his passion for game development, echoing Pedro Pascal's sentiment that creating art is the driving force behind his work. He acknowledged the immense stress and negativity that can accompany the industry, but ultimately, the love of game creation and the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals outweighs the challenges.

Druckmann's response to Barlog's question about when the relentless drive to create is "enough" was thoughtful and introspective. He spoke of the eventual creation of opportunities for others when he steps back from day-to-day responsibilities, aiming to create space for new talent and ideas. Barlog, in a humorous counterpoint, jokingly declared his intention to retire.