Imagine this: the team behind Days Gone diving headfirst into the world of Uncharted. It almost happened! According to a juicy Bloomberg report, Sony Bend, the studio responsible for the 2019 zombie-packed open-world adventure Days Gone, was tapped to work on a brand-new Uncharted game. However, the project didn’t proceed as expected.
Sony Bend’s ambitious proposal was for a sequel titled Days Gone 2.
Before the Uncharted handoff, Sony Bend had big dreams of their own. Following the success of Days Gone in 2019, the team reportedly pitched Days Gone 2 to Sony. Despite its cult following and impressive sales, the sequel didn’t get the green light.
Why Sony Said “No”
According to the report:
- The development time was deemed too long.
- The reviews were too mixed for Sony’s liking (it sits around a 71 on Metacritic).
- Sony executives were reportedly more focused on predictable hits — think Spider-Man and The Last of Us.
The decision devastated both fans and developers. Days Gone had built a loyal fanbase, many of whom continue to rally online for a sequel under the hashtag #DaysGone2.
A New Assignment: Uncharted Under Naughty Dog’s Supervision
With the Days Gone 2 pitch denied, Sony Bend found themselves reassigned to assist Naughty Dog on a mysterious Uncharted project. The idea was for Bend to lead development on the game while Naughty Dog provided oversight and creative guidance.
It was an ambitious move — essentially asking a rising studio to craft a new entry in one of PlayStation’s crown jewel franchises, all while working in the shadow of its legendary predecessor.
Performing for the Masters
As one developer put it, it was like “performing Shakespeare in front of Shakespeare himself.”
That kind of pressure can be daunting, especially when your creative freedom is on the line.
Tensions Rise: A Quiet Mutiny at Bend
Not everyone at Sony Bend was thrilled about working under Naughty Dog’s direction. Several key staff members reportedly left the studio due to growing concerns that Bend would become part of Naughty Dog instead of remaining independent.
Fearing a loss of autonomy, Bend leadership eventually went to Sony management with a clear request: remove us from the Uncharted project. Surprisingly, Sony agreed.
That decision ended Bend’s brief but fascinating connection to Uncharted. The studio was once again free but left in creative limbo.
A Fresh Start: Sony Bend’s Next Big IP
After the Uncharted detour, Bend shifted focus toward creating a brand-new IP — an original game that builds upon the systems and mechanics that made Days Gone special.
While few details have been confirmed, the developers have hinted that the new IP will:
- Feature open-world elements similar to Days Gone.
- Emphasize AI-driven gameplay and narrative depth.
- Be developed exclusively for PlayStation 5.
Fans are hoping that Bend’s next title will capture the same emotional storytelling and immersive world-building that made Days Gone such a cult hit.
Is the Uncharted Sequel Still in Development?
The question remains unanswered. Jason Schreier noted that Bend had an Uncharted concept “on paper” before pulling out, but there’s no confirmation that the project continued elsewhere.
So who could be working on it now?
- Naughty Dog might have reabsorbed the project internally.
- A new PlayStation studio, quietly working on the next chapter.
- Or, possibly, no one at all, at least not yet.
With Sony’s focus shifting toward live-service games and remakes, a traditional single-player Uncharted sequel might still be waiting for its moment.
When We Last Saw Uncharted
The last Uncharted game, The Lost Legacy (2017), starred fan favourite Chloe Frazer alongside Nadine Ross. Though Nathan Drake was absent, the game proved that Uncharted could thrive without its iconic lead.
Since then? Silence aside from remasters and ports. There have been no new releases or official announcements of sequels.
That is, unless Sony’s hiding something up its sleeve.
The Uncharted Movie: Bringing the Franchise to Hollywood
While gamers waited for another Uncharted adventure, Hollywood stepped in. In 2022, the Uncharted movie finally hit theatres after years of production delays.
Starring Tom Holland as a young Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg as mentor Victor “Sully” Sullivan, the film served as an origin story and a soft reboot for the franchise. Despite mixed reviews, it performed well at the box office and opened the door for potential sequels.
Could the Uncharted Movie Spark a New Game?
It’s possible. With the movie’s success and PlayStation’s growing interest in cross-media storytelling, Sony could very well tie a future Uncharted game to the film’s timeline or universe. A rebooted Uncharted series starring a younger Drake could attract both long-time fans and new audiences.
Fan Reactions: Hope, Frustration, and Nostalgia
When the Bloomberg report surfaced, fans were divided:
- Some mourned the loss of Days Gone 2, calling it “the most underrated PlayStation exclusive.”
- Others were intrigued by the idea of a new Uncharted from a fresh perspective.
- A vocal few criticised Sony’s risk-averse strategy, arguing that it stifles creativity.
Across social media, players continue to express both love and frustration toward Sony Bend’s situation — and hope for what comes next.
What’s Next for Sony Bend and PlayStation Studios?
Sony Bend is confirmed to be developing a new AAA IP with full creative control. The project reportedly leverages Days Gone’s powerful open-world engine but introduces a brand-new setting and characters.
Meanwhile, Naughty Dog continues expanding The Last of Us universe, leaving Uncharted’s future uncertain but far from forgotten.
Conclusion: Two Paths, One Legacy
The story of Days Gone and Uncharted intertwining is one of ambition, identity, and creative freedom. Sony Bend’s brief foray into Uncharted may not have produced a new game, but it highlighted the studio’s desire to stand on its own.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Bend Studio has more stories to tell — and fans are ready to listen.
