Neil Druckmann on Sequels: "No Plans, Requires Confidence"

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 anxieties, creative processes, and the challenges of sequels.

Druckmann surprisingly revealed he avoids thinking about sequels while developing a game, focusing intensely on the current project. He believes preemptively planning sequels is detrimental, preferring to approach each game as a standalone experience. Any ideas for future installments emerge organically, rather than being deliberately saved. He uses past work as a springboard, identifying unresolved elements and potential character arcs. If no compelling direction exists, he considers concluding a character's story. This approach, he explained, was applied to the Uncharted series, where each sequel's narrative evolved organically from the previous game.

Barlog, conversely, employs a meticulously planned, long-term approach, connecting current projects to ideas conceived years prior. He acknowledges the inherent stress and potential for conflict arising from this method, given the evolving team dynamics and shifting perspectives over time.

Druckmann admitted he lacks the confidence to adopt Barlog's extensive planning, preferring to concentrate on the immediate tasks at hand.

The conversation shifted to the emotional toll of game development, with Druckmann citing the intense stress and occasional panic attacks, yet emphasizing his profound love for game creation as his driving force. He shared an anecdote about Pedro Pascal's perspective on art as the reason for waking up each morning, a sentiment he deeply resonated with.

Druckmann posed a question to Barlog regarding the point at which the relentless drive to create becomes sufficient. Barlog's response was introspective and honest, admitting the insatiable nature of his creative ambition, likening it to a relentless internal "demon" that always seeks the next challenge, even after achieving significant success.

Druckmann echoed this sentiment, albeit more gently, emphasizing his gradual disengagement from day-to-day operations to create opportunities for others. He mentioned Jason Rubin's insight about departures creating room for growth within Naughty Dog. Barlog playfully concluded the discussion with a statement of impending retirement, a comment likely fueled by the shared experiences and pressures discussed.