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 conversation about doubt, a deeply personal theme for both creators. Their hour-long discussion covered self-doubt, recognizing a “right” idea, and approaching character development across multiple games.

When asked about developing characters across sequels, Druckmann surprisingly revealed he doesn't plan for multiple games simultaneously. He focuses intensely on the current project, stating, "I think you're jinxing yourself if you're starting to think about the sequel when you're working on the first game." He approaches each game as if it might be his last, incorporating ideas organically rather than saving them for future installments. He uses past work as a springboard for sequels, identifying unresolved elements and potential character arcs. If he finds no compelling direction, he jokes about simply "killing them off."

Druckmann illustrated this approach with the *Uncharted* series, emphasizing their iterative process. Each game built upon the previous one, exploring new avenues for the characters and avoiding repetition. He stressed the importance of knowing when to move on from a character or concept if a fresh direction isn't found.

Barlog, in contrast, revealed a meticulously planned, interconnected approach, comparing his process to a complex conspiracy board. He enjoys connecting current projects to ideas conceived years prior, though he acknowledges the inherent stress and potential for disruption from shifting teams and perspectives.

Druckmann expressed a lack of the confidence needed for Barlog's long-term planning, preferring to focus on the immediate tasks. He emphasized his love for game development as the driving force behind his work, even amidst the stress and negativity that comes with it.

The conversation shifted to the question of "when is it enough?" Druckmann discussed his eventual desire to step back from day-to-day involvement, creating opportunities for others. Barlog offered a more intense perspective, describing the relentless drive and obsession that fuels his work, likening it to a demon that always seeks the next challenge, even after achieving significant success.

He poignantly described reaching the summit of a creative mountain only to find another, taller one in the distance. This relentless drive, he admitted, often prevents him from fully appreciating accomplishments. Druckmann echoed this sentiment, but with a softer tone, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for others by eventually stepping aside. Barlog, in a final, humorous quip, responded, "Very convincing. I’m going to retire."