L.O.D. dev cheers big risks for Intergalactic
It can be challenging to simply enjoy a piece of art when you’ve spent time dissecting the complex process that brought it to life. Once you see behind the curtain, it’s difficult to return to the role of a casual fan. Yet, for some, knowing the journey only amplifies the excitement for the final product.
This is the case for Matt Radford, a former senior VFX artist who has walked the path of major development studios, including working on iconic titles like The Last of Us and Uncharted 4. Now, as an audience member, Radford is genuinely thrilled to step back into the role of player for Naughty Dog‘s upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Speaking on his excitement, Radford notes that he is far removed from the inner workings of the company, allowing him to experience the game purely as a player. “I’m definitely so far removed from Naughty Dog that I definitely will play Intergalactic and just get to have a good time,” he shared. He predicts that there is simply nothing captivating missing from the experience. “There’s no way there’s not something captivating going on there,” he predicts.
Beyond the artistic output, Radford speaks to the enduring power of the Naughty Dog institution itself. He expressed deep satisfaction that the company continues to take ambitious risks in the realm of high-level artistry. “I’m just so happy that the institution that is Naughty Dog is still going, and that someone is taking big risks on art like that on a really high level,” he stated.
The studio’s creative freedom has clearly paid off, resulting in a remarkable batting average. Naughty Dog operates in a unique space, avoiding the intense profit-driven pressures faced by many other companies. Radford points out that the company’s primary function is closely tied to selling Sony hardware, which allows them the freedom to pursue artistic vision rather than solely chasing quarterly profits.
This unique structure means that while financial headwinds present volatility and looming questions around profitability, the focus remains firmly on creating masterpieces. For instance, other major studios, such as CD Projekt Red, have also demonstrated the ability to release big, successful titles sequentially.
In a climate where corporate restructuring and layoffs are commonplace, Naughty Dog remains one of the few entities where there is little public discussion regarding potential changes. Whether this stability holds into the future remains an open question, but for now, the focus is on the art. As Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet tests the boundaries of what the studio is capable of, it promises to be an exciting adventure.
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