Threads
- Naughty Dog’s next game is Intergalactic, a controversial mess through and through.
- Once responsible for legendary titles, Naughty Dog’s adoption of questionable choices is apparent now.
- Instead of games with agendas, the developer has plenty of gems like Jak and Daxter to work on.
Lately, I feel like you can’t even go a day without a new controversy popping up in the video gaming industry. Live services, predatory microtransactions, forced agendas, DEI issues; the list just keeps on expanding. Where have the good old days of entertaining games gone?
If all these efforts towards controversial choices were redirected towards quality design and creative thinking, the gaming medium would have endless potential, like the good old days. Just look at Naughty Dog for example. It went from creating the unrivaled Jak and Daxter and the original Uncharted games to the mess that is Intergalactic.
Why it matters: Naughty Dog’s recent choices have been consistently criticized, and for the very right reasons, which is why it needs to go back to games purely for entertainment.
The Intergalactic Fiasco
I quote Naughty Dog particularly because of its upcoming game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. By now, you must know what I wish to discuss, as you’ve probably witnessed this potential abomination firsthand. I don’t even know what Naughty Dog is trying to do here.
From the moment the trailer started and honestly a very poor choice for a protagonist’s design appeared on screen, I knew this was going to be a disaster. I became more and more convinced as the trailer moved on.
I don’t know what this ridiculous obsession with designing females with an obviously tempered design is. No, this is not some “your standard of beauty is unrealistic.” Anyone can see this is purposefully done to push an agenda. No offense but why design something so unappealing to the general masses?
As if the blatantly uglified design wasn’t a tragedy enough, the protagonist’s behavior, dialogues, and character writing are so horrible and cringe-inducing that the first impression goes straight down the drain. Games ought to quickly captivate the player, not turn them off from the very first look.
Intergalactic is Sh*t and they know it.
byu/MickaelN64 inTheLastOfUs2
The Current Naughty Dog: Controversy Incarnate
PlayStation’s legendary first-party developer is responsible for some of its strongest IPs. Crash, Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us speak for themselves. However, this was the old Naughty Dog, pushing Sony’s console to new heights. The present Naughty Dog is a little too obsessed with controversial, needlessly forced agendas.
The Last of Us 2 is a superb game, but you’ll agree some of the representation choices and story direction were made to push a ridiculous concept. The whole situation around Abby including the design and certain scenarios makes no sense in the grand scheme of things.
The original Last of Us is a masterpiece, and while the sequel took things to the next level with its core gameplay design, the DEI infestation and needlessly forced representation sour the experience; a sign of Naughty Dong turning to the dark side. From statements defending this move to the subsequent projects and finally Intergalactic, it has happened.
Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against female protagonists or diversity representation in games, but only when it makes sense and is executed well. Purposefully uglified designs and forced agendas are just plain wrong.
Drop Controversy, Give Jak and Daxter A Chance
What puzzles me is the reason to rely on these controversies and absurd decisions. Naughty Dog’s games do not need “bad publicity is still publicity” to be popular and sell like hotcakes. These franchises are beloved enough already, and as I’ve said, the developer still makes great games if you ignore the agenda.
How long will it take til everyone else realizes naughty dog just isn't the same after part 2?
byu/PapaVitoOfficial inTheLastOfUs2
Instead of pursuing concepts and topics the public very obviously hates, why not give something everyone loves universally a second chance? Among the franchises PlayStation has cruelly abandoned, Jak and Daxter sits at the top of the “most wanted revivals” list. Naughty Dog has a revolutionary platformer it can work on.
Just like Ratchet and Clank, Naughty Dog has its own dynamic duo platforming around an extremely creative and entertaining world, their quirky banter keeping things lively. Jak and Daxter is among the original and most influential 3D platformers, combining a heartwarming storyline with a sublime level design and mechanics.
I still haven’t forgiven the abandonment of Crash, but Jak and Daxter has been in that jail for a lot longer now. Why does Naughty Dog even need a new IP filled with controversies when it has a beloved icon just waiting to be revived? A dedicated fan-following, creative gameplay, and insane demand, Jak and Daxter has Intergalactic beat in every way.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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