Uncharted Remake Doubt: Former Dev Asks What’s The Point

The allure of revisiting beloved classics through remakes and remasters is undeniable in the gaming world. Yet, as the industry grapples with this trend, some design leaders are drawing a firm line in the sand, suggesting that simply polishing old content doesn’t serve the future of a franchise.

Benson Russell, a designer who contributed to Naughty Dog’s work on Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, has voiced his strong opposition to a remake or remaster of the original 2007 game. While he isn’t against reinterpreting classic works generally, he questioned the fundamental purpose of doing so. In his view, remastering a title like Uncharted is unnecessary, arguing that it risks feeling less like a necessary evolution and more like a simple monetization tactic—a “cash grab.”

Instead of revisiting the past, Russell proposes a bolder path for the franchise: creating something entirely new. He advocates for Naughty Dog to take the lessons learned from contemporary titles, specifically Uncharted 4, and use them as a foundation for an original game. This approach seeks to honor the spirit of the Uncharted universe while pushing the creative boundaries forward.

This preference for reinvention contrasts with some of the major studios’ history. While Naughty Dog has successfully provided updated experiences through remasters for titles like The Last of Us, they have never opted for a remake of the original Uncharted narrative. This decision reflects a strategy prioritizing fresh development over retrospective polish.

The discussion around preservation versus creation extends beyond Naughty Dog. Gaming legend Shigeru Miyamoto has defended the practice of remakes and remasters, suggesting they offer significant benefits. He argues that these efforts help younger generations experience classic games they might have missed, and importantly, the revenue generated can be reinvested into funding future, ambitious games.

Despite the reservations some express about simply updating existing properties, there is palpable excitement brewing among fans for the next chapter in the Uncharted saga. While the original game remains accessible today on platforms like PS5 and PS4 through collections that include remastered versions of Uncharted 2 and 3, the expectation now shifts toward genuinely new content.

Naughty Dog is reportedly hinting at a new entry in the series, fueling anticipation for a fresh adventure that builds upon the legacy of Nathan Drake without being shackled by the limitations of a remake. The focus appears to be on honoring the franchise’s spirit by forging an exciting new path forward.