Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet May Be Closer Than Anticipated

Naughty Dog’s next project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, might be further along in development than many assumed, as the studio begins pushing localisation efforts. The game, first revealed at last year’s Game Awards, has remained largely under wraps since its announcement, leaving fans eager for details about its story and gameplay.

The reveal trailer offered little insight, and comments from creative director Neil Druckmann emphasized that the game was still evolving. He noted in March that there was “plenty of work on the game left to do” and that he wasn’t yet certain how it would end. That suggested a long road ahead, but recent job postings by Naughty Dog may indicate that the finish line is approaching.

Twitter user DomTheBombYT highlighted that Naughty Dog’s LinkedIn page listed multiple positions related to localisation. One listing focused on Japanese language support and another on French. While the postings don’t explicitly mention Intergalactic, it’s reasonable to assume they relate to the studio’s next major release.

Localisation is typically done late in a game’s development cycle, which makes this a strong signal that significant progress has been made. Preparing multiple language options often requires most of the game’s assets and story to be locked in, suggesting that core development has reached an advanced stage.

The announcement comes after a long hiatus from original Naughty Dog titles, with the last new release being over five years ago. The studio has spent much of that time on remasters and re-releases of The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part 2. Fans have been eager to see what the studio would create next, and the reveal of Intergalactic offered a glimpse of a new sci-fi setting and narrative ambitions.

Despite these promising signs, a release is unlikely to be immediate. With other major projects like Wolverine scheduled for Fall 2026, industry observers expect Intergalactic to launch around 2027. As with previous Naughty Dog games, perfectionism may extend the timeline, ensuring that the final product meets the high standards set by the studio’s past successes.

The localisation efforts give players some hope that the game is moving steadily toward completion. The inclusion of multiple language options early indicates that Naughty Dog is preparing for a global launch. Fans can watch for further updates as development continues, though the studio is likely to remain tight-lipped until more concrete details emerge.

Even with limited information, the signs suggest that Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet may not be as distant as originally feared. Naughty Dog’s reputation for quality and careful polishing means that players can expect a meticulously crafted experience once the game finally arrives.