At the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann and Sony Santa Monica's Cory Barlog discussed the pervasive theme of doubt in game development. Their hour-long conversation covered self-doubt, recognizing successful ideas, and the challenges of character development across multiple games.
Druckmann revealed a surprising approach to sequels: he doesn't plan them in advance. He focuses intensely on the current project, treating each game as a standalone work. While occasional sequel ideas might emerge, he prioritizes incorporating them into the present game rather than saving them for the future. He explained his process for sequels involves revisiting past work, identifying unresolved elements, and determining the characters' potential trajectories. If no compelling direction emerges, he considers ending the character's arc. He cited the Uncharted series as an example, emphasizing the iterative nature of character development and plot progression across the games.
Barlog, in contrast, adopts a long-term, interconnected planning approach, meticulously connecting current projects to ideas conceived years earlier. He acknowledged the inherent stress and potential for conflicts arising from this method due to shifting teams, perspectives, and evolving preferences over time.
The conversation shifted to the personal toll of their careers. Druckmann shared his passion for game development, echoing Pedro Pascal's sentiment that creating art is the driving force behind his life. Despite the immense pressure and negativity, he finds fulfillment in collaborating with talented individuals. He also expressed a desire to eventually step back from day-to-day involvement, creating opportunities for others to lead.
Barlog candidly described the relentless nature of his creative drive, likening it to an internal "demon" that pushes him forward, even after achieving significant milestones. He highlighted the difficulty of appreciating success and the immediate emergence of new ambitions.
Druckmann, while sharing Barlog's sentiment about the unending nature of creative ambition, expressed a more measured approach, focusing on gradually reducing his involvement to foster opportunities for others. Barlog jokingly responded with a declaration of retirement, concluding their insightful discussion.
