The lights are on
Amy Hennig, writer and director for Naughty Dog's Uncharted, Uncharted 2, and Uncharted 3 has left the studio.
A representative from Sony offered a statement via e-mail regarding Hennig's departure saying, "We can confirm that Amy Hennig has left Naughty Dog. Amy has made significant contributions to the game industry and we appreciate all she has done for Naughty Dog. The development timeline of Uncharted will not be impacted." Hennig was working on Uncharted 4 before leaving the studio.
Unconfirmed reports from IGN say according to "numerous trusted sources," Hennig was "forced out" of Naughty Dog by The Last of Us directors Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley, and that the two will take over development on Uncharted 4.
During our coverage for The Last of Us, we interviewed Druckmann and Straley and they spoke about working with Hennig. You can check out the video below.
[Source: IGN]
Our TakeThis is disappointing news. Whether Hennig's departure from Naughty Dog was voluntary or not, she was a crucial part of the studio and the Uncharted franchise.
Email the author Kyle Hilliard, or follow on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and Game Informer.
"Forced out of development?" Bad move. The Uncharted games are some of the most fantastic games I've ever played! If you ever watched the development videos easter eggs in U2 and U3, you would see she was behind just about everything in the games. I say bad move Naughty Dog...
Well that sucks for Amy and for us as gamers. I just hope she goes on to bigger and better things and that Uncharted 4 still turns out great despite losing her writing talent.
Bummer hope Uncharted 4 turns out great!
I wonder if uncharted 4 will be any good?
Uncharted was the reason I purchased a PS3 - and it was worth every penny. It is (was?) also the reason I was looking forward to a PS4. The whole Indiana Jones / Tomb Raider vibe is right up my alley.
The Last of Us was good - a nice surprise at the end of a consoles life. I enjoyed it. But I don't want Uncharted to become TLoU (dark, depressing, serious etc.). As separate games they're both great - but if I were forced to choose, I'd go with Uncharted every time.
If Uncharted loses its sense of humor, the wonder of exploration combined with a bit of fun - (basically all the character development and story behind the gameplay...) well...that'd be terrible. And I personally would have one less reason to get a PS4.
That's a shame to hear. I loved the stories in all the Uncharted games. You could relate to a lot of the characters in the games. I can't wait to see the story-line for Uncharted 4
Wow, terrible news. I'm really wondering if it was forced or voluntary.
It's sad to see her go, but I'm sure they guys from The Last of Us will do a fantastic job just as they did with The Last of Us. Masterful direction and writing.
Hope she comes to a microsoft first party developer.
Terrible news!!
I swear if the uncharted 4 ends up sucking I am going to cry.
Damn.
I'm pist.
Nothing more to say.
I wonder why she was forced out.
she is gone to microsoft..mouahahahahhahahaha
Given how relaxed ND is I don't think she was forced out. Neil and Bruce don't seem like the type to force someone off of a project. More likely she had finished the broad story and wanted a change of pace and let Druckman take over writing duties. Also given that Sony is banking heavily on this game it makes sense they would want everyone possible at ND working on it. Hopefully she finds work in the industry and left on good terms. Who knows she may wind up at another studio like Santa Monica or Sucker Punch. Still very excited for Uncharted PS4 (3 Is one of my favorite games of all time). Good luck to Amy and good luck to ND on Uncharted.