Naughty Dog veteran Neil Druckmann has been promoted to the position of Vice President at the Californian developer. According to President Evan Wells, this is in recognition of Neil’s “expanded role, contributing on critical, studio level decisions”. The former programmer will still serve as the Creative Director on The Last of Us: Part II.
He’ll be flanked by Anthony Newman and Kurt Margenau, who will act as joint Game Directors on the hotly anticipated sequel following the departure of Bruce Straley. Meanwhile, Emilia Schatz and Richard Cambier will serve as Lead Designers. We met Ricky prior to the release of Uncharted 4 and he was a very amiable chap.
“We have such an incredible team at Naughty Dog, and I’m always happy when I am able to recognize those who have made an outstanding contribution to our games and the studio,” Wells concluded in a blog post. “Please join me in giving them all a big congratulations!” Congratulations, everyone – we can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on.
[source naughtydog.com]
Comments 19
Congratulations to those guys, they were becoming key developers as it was so it makes sense.
People are often moaning when key people leave studios and such. And headlines read "Is Naughty Dog in trouble with Straley gone?".
But the other side of the coin is that it's exciting as well to see if her people take over the reins and add some flavour of their own.
@Shepherd_Tallon I have always wanted them to do this... please Disney, give Naughty Dog the rights to publish KOTOR action/adventure games!
Truthfully, I'd be happy with their own IP sci-fi story.
Bring Back Bruce.
#BBB
Some it seems don't like Neil Druckmann. Might have something to do with his political beliefs but I find it a shame that some can't separate the creation from the creator and just enjoy things that way.
@adf86 As long as there are things/people, you’ll find someone on the Internet who hates them.
@get2sammyb It's true, I just wish some people were more respectful.
Congrats!
@get2sammyb
Yup, the internet is a pretty depressing place, it's bonkers to me that anyone can take issue with the principles of equal treatment and rights irrespective of gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation etc.
For me, the way Naughty Dog has crafted their stories and characters is beyond reproach, they are masters in their field and the delicacy and subtly of characters like Elle or Bill in TLoU is incredible.
Congrats to ND and to Druckman, as far as I am concerned, they have a perfect track record so far.
@adf86 they probably own xboxs 😂
I'm not surprised. His increasing prominence with games like Last of Us would make this inevitable, especially after Balestra's departure. Good for him.
@Lovespuds I really hope Bill somehow makes an appearance in TLoU2, by far my favourite support character in the game. As much as I enjoyed the Ellie DLC I'd much rather ND had fleshed out Bill's story.
Congrats, Neil!
Great to know, congrats and good luck!
Can't wait for The Last of Us 2.
@Lovespuds I often hear about his femenist tendencies which is probably what they are worried about, but Neil has a good track record of making great stories. Most likely worried about sacrificing quality just to push an agenda like some people often do. I'm not too worried though.
Hmm, first Druckmann and Straley elbow out Amy Hennig, then Straley leaves and now this. Druckmann is a dog alright, a power hungry Machiavellian Dog
@Shigurui
Agreed, that character was incredible. He was really tough, but you could just detect a kind nature under the surface, such a well written personality.
Go Druckers...
The new mike pence
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