The Last of Us Online Devs Open New Studio in Japan
▼ Summary
– Vinit Agarwal, former game director at Naughty Dog, announced he is launching a new game studio in Japan after leaving the company earlier this year.
– Agarwal worked at Naughty Dog for a decade, contributing to titles like Uncharted, The Last of Us, and the canceled multiplayer project The Last of Us Online.
– Naughty Dog has seen several veteran departures, leaving Neil Druckmann as the sole head of the studio, which is now focusing on single-player games like Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
– The Last of Us Online was canceled in 2023 as Naughty Dog chose to prioritize single-player games over long-term live-service commitments.
– Agarwal’s new studio plans remain unclear, including whether it will focus on multiplayer games or maintain ties with Sony.
Former Naughty Dog director Vinit Agarwal has announced the formation of a new game studio in Japan following his departure from the acclaimed PlayStation developer earlier this year. The veteran game designer, who spent a decade working on titles like Uncharted and The Last of Us, revealed his plans via social media, though details about the studio’s first project remain under wraps.
Agarwal confirmed his move to Japan in a recent post, stating he would soon share more about his new venture. His exit from Naughty Dog in January marked the end of a significant chapter, where he contributed to major franchises before shifting focus to The Last of Us Online, the canceled multiplayer spin-off. While his next project could explore multiplayer elements, no official announcements have been made regarding partnerships or game formats.
The departure highlights a broader shift within Naughty Dog’s leadership. Of the five industry veterans Agarwal credited in his farewell message, including Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley, only Druckmann remains at the studio. Following co-president Evan Wells’ exit in 2023, Druckmann now leads the company solo as it prioritizes single-player experiences. Currently, Naughty Dog is developing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, prompting Druckmann to step back from HBO’s The Last of Us adaptation to focus on the project. Speculation also persists about another unannounced title, possibly revisiting the Uncharted series.
The cancellation of The Last of Us Online last December reshaped Naughty Dog’s direction, with the studio opting to avoid long-term live-service commitments. Agarwal wasn’t the only key figure to leave, Joe Pettinati, another lead on the project, also departed, while Anthony Newman continues as head of production. With Agarwal’s new studio now in motion, the gaming industry awaits further details on what the seasoned developer will create next.
(Source: Kotaku)
