At the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann and Sony Santa Monica’s Cory Barlog discussed the pervasive theme of doubt in game development. Their hour-long conversation covered personal insecurities, recognizing viable ideas, and the challenges of sequels. One audience question regarding character development across multiple games elicited a surprising response from Druckmann: he doesn't plan sequels. He focuses intensely on the current project, treating each game as a standalone experience. Any sequel ideas are spontaneous, arising organically from unresolved elements or character arcs. He explained that if a character's story feels complete, he's not afraid to conclude their journey. This approach, he clarified, extends to all his projects except the Last of Us TV show, which has a pre-determined multi-season arc. His process involves revisiting previous work, identifying unresolved threads, and exploring new directions for characters. If no compelling new direction emerges, he questions the viability of continuing the series.
Druckmann contrasted his approach with Barlog’s, who meticulously plans interconnected elements across multiple games, sometimes spanning a decade. While Barlog finds this long-term planning creatively fulfilling, he acknowledged the immense stress and potential for conflict with evolving teams and perspectives. Druckmann admitted he lacks the confidence to plan so far ahead, preferring to concentrate on the immediate tasks at hand.
The conversation shifted to the emotional toll of game development, with Druckmann sharing his passion for game storytelling and its significance in his life, echoing a sentiment shared by actor Pedro Pascal. He acknowledged the intense stress, including dealing with negativity and even death threats, but emphasized the rewarding aspects of collaborating with talented individuals.
Druckmann then posed a question to Barlog about the point of saturation in a demanding career, referencing the recent retirement of Ted Price. Barlog’s response was candid and revealing, describing the relentless drive that pushes creators to constantly pursue new challenges, even after achieving significant success. He likened it to a never-ending cycle, where reaching one summit only reveals a higher mountain to conquer. This internal compulsion, he explained, often overrides the desire to pause and appreciate accomplishments.
Druckmann echoed Barlog's sentiment, but with a more measured perspective, highlighting the eventual creation of opportunities for others as he gradually reduces his involvement in day-to-day operations. He envisions a future where he can step back, allowing others to embrace the challenges and opportunities he's leaving behind. Barlog, in a humorous twist, concluded the talk by jokingly announcing his own retirement in response to Druckmann's reflections.
