Creative Director Of The Last Of Us: ‘Storytelling Is So Poor Right Now’


Even if you have complaints about the linear scripted paths of Uncharted, it’s difficult to deny that Naughty Dog games are home to some of the sharpest writing in the games industry. Now, with The Last Of Us, Creative Director Neil Druckmann claims the studio push the level of storytelling craft in video games to new levels.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Druckmann claimed that the studio is looking to “raise the bar”.

“We try so hard at Naughty Dog to push things,” said Druckman. “And then games come out that are fun and exciting and get visceral things right, but to read in reviews that they have an amazing story is disheartening to us because we work so hard at it.

“As critics we need to raise the bar, otherwise no-one’s going to change. We’re going to keep pushing ourselves, and kill ourselves to make this story happen — but hope that by doing it, the rest of the industry is going to take notice and try to do the same thing.”

While I felt as though Uncharted 3 stopped short of feeling as polished as its predecessor, the whole relationship between Nathan Drake and Sully was just so perfectly implemented. It gives me faith that the core of The Last Of Us, which appears to be the father/daughter relationship thing. Normally I’d be worried about how this was handled, and prepare for cringe — but somehow I have total faith.

“We approached this genre because we felt no-one is getting to the heart of it. It tells you something about the human condition – that’s what you want to do as a storyteller,” continued Druckmann.

“We’re not saying every game needs a strong, compelling and dramatic story, but if you are going to make a narrative-based game then you better learn the craft.”

Naughty Dog wants to “change the f***ing industry” with The Last of Us [Eurogamer]


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