As Uncharted 4 passes its 10th anniversary, a reader expresses frustration over the absence of a new entry in what he considers Sony's most important franchise. Drawing a parallel to Star Wars, he suggests that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but Sony seems uninterested in capitalizing on renewed fan interest.
Star Wars Comparison
The reader notes that the release of a new Star Wars movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu, failed to excite him due to poor quality and box office performance. He argues that Disney should pause Star Wars productions for a decade to rebuild anticipation, similar to how gaps between trilogies boosted success despite mixed quality. This strategy, he believes, could work for Uncharted.
Uncharted's 10-Year Hiatus
May 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. The reader admits that the long wait has made him crave more from the franchise. However, Sony appears reluctant to deliver. Rumors suggest Sony approached various developers, including Bend Studio (creators of Days Gone), but none were interested. Naughty Dog, the original developer, has stated they no longer wish to work on the series, focusing instead on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and a potential The Last of Us Part 3.
Naughty Dog's Stance
Despite Naughty Dog's disinterest, rumors persist that they are 'researching' a new Uncharted. The reader doubts this, given their current workload. However, he notes that Sony might pressure Naughty Dog for an 'easy win' this generation, as the studio has yet to release a new IP for the PS5.
Why Uncharted Matters
The reader argues that Uncharted is the foundation of Sony's third-person action-adventure formula, influencing games like The Last of Us and even 007 First Light. He misses the franchise's humor, with Nathan Drake as a charming rogue reminiscent of Indiana Jones. While Uncharted 4 was too serious and lacked supernatural elements, the series remains a benchmark for cinematic gaming, with top-notch dialogue and acting.
Gameplay Improvements
Combat and platforming were never Uncharted's strongest suits, but the reader sees potential for improvement in a new entry. The challenge lies in the protagonist: Nolan North may be aging for motion capture, and using Drake's daughter risks comparisons to Tomb Raider. Still, he believes a solution can be found.
Future Prospects
The reader sees no concrete evidence of a new Uncharted in development. Even if announced, it would likely be a PlayStation 6 title, years away. With the franchise's 20th anniversary approaching in 2027, he hopes for news, but fears Nathan Drake's legacy is being neglected. He concludes that Sony should revive the series, given its flexibility and enduring popularity.
