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Dune: Awakening had me doubting it initially. But I can safely say, they delivered an experience beyond expectations. Getting to see the world of Arrakis has been mesmerising, and getting to live it with other players onboard is nothing but mindblowing.

While I was experiencing the sci-fi world of Dune, being an avid No Man’s Sky enjoyer, I couldn’t help but wonder, what if we got a Star Wars game made by Funcom themselves? They completely nailed it with Dune: Awakening, and I believe they will do the franchise justice.

Funcom should be making Star Wars Mmo since they got the formula down already Welcome to Arrakis. | Image Credit: Funcom/YouTube

The vast desert world of Dune: Awakening gives me a sense of joy that I haven’t experienced in a while. While we have been getting low-quality games based on famous franchises, that seems to be a thing of the past now.

Superhero stories have become so iconic that they have surpassed the barriers of comic book pages and been adapted into theatrical movies, TV series, and, of course, video games. But out of all these different media, the latter has seen special growth in recent years. Initially, players would get nothing but rushed tie-in movie titles that rarely captivated them or earned raving reviews (with the exception of Spider-Man 2 or X-Men Origins: Wolverine). However, the genre has evolved over time and reached unimaginable heights thanks to the release of Batman: Arkham City, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, and many more. Now, the sky isn't the limit anymore, and we're eager to see what adventures await next.

Many superhero video games are currently being developed, and the best part is that there's something for everyone's liking. In the following years, we'll see the release of Aaa action-adventure titles...

The Last of Us Part 2 (2020) holds up pretty well against the test of time. Even after all these years, fans are still finding some unique features that were overlooked by the general public. Be it realistic physics or minute details, the game sure proves Naughty Dog’s dedication to providing perfection.

Some may say Red Dead Redemption 2 is probably the most detailed game ever, but Tlou Part 2 doesn’t fall short. Such detailing is highly appreciated by fans as it shows how much love was poured into their favorite titles. That’s what matters the most.

Naughty Dog poured their blood and sweat into The Last of Us Part 2 Tlou is famous for it’s great detailing and story | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Naughty Dog might be known as a controversial studio, but there’s no denying, they are capable of doing wonders. This becomes more apparent as fans find...

Corporate executives love talking about “meaningful experiences” and “cultural impact” until the quarterly reports start looking scary. EA’s decision to axe their Black Panther game represents everything wrong with modern gaming’s risk-averse mentality.

The cancellation doesn’t just kill another superhero project. It abandons the chance to honor Chadwick Boseman’s transformative portrayal of T’Challa, a character that redefined representation in entertainment.

Gaming desperately needs more diverse stories, yet here’s EA running scared from one of the most culturally significant characters in recent memory. The irony tastes bitter.

EA’s Black Panther retreat shows industry cowardice

Yesterday’s announcement hit like a corporate sledgehammer. EA cancelled their Black Panther game and shuttered Cliffhanger Games entirely, citing the need to “focus on more significant growth opportunities.” Translation: they got cold feet about anything that wasn’t a guaranteed money printer.

Related: I’m Relieved EA Canceled the...

The most controversial departure in gaming history happened behind closed doors at Naughty Dog. Amy Hennig, the creative mastermind behind Nathan Drake’s adventures and the mother of the Uncharted series as we know it, left the studio in 2014 under circumstances that remain murky to this day.

What followed was a complete overhaul of Uncharted 4. Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley took the reins, scrapped months of work, and fundamentally changed what the series represented.

The result? A game that prioritized emotional depth over the spectacular set pieces that made the series legendary. Whether that was an improvement depends entirely on what you valued about treasure hunting with everyone’s favorite wisecracking adventurer.

When spectacle became secondary to feelings

Amy Hennig‘s Uncharted games were playable action movies. Remember the cargo plane sequence from Uncharted 3? Drake literally falls out of a crashing aircraft, climbs back inside, and fights his way through...

It's nearly time to assemble. In 2026, Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra will bring Captain America and Black Panther together to fight against the Red Skull's forces. While not a lot has been revealed about the highly anticipated video game, the trailers released so far have made it clear players are in for a technical powerhouse. The character's facial animations are top-notch, and the graphics seem worthy of next-generation consoles. However, one thing is how the game looks, and another is how it plays.

While developer Skydance New Media has yet to showcase a gameplay deep dive of its upcoming title, some mechanics need to be there if the game is expected to become a huge hit. On the other hand, there are also a few gaming trends that should be avoided if players are to welcome this Marvel adventure with open arms. So now it's time we break down 4 things...

It’s been nearly 7 years since Shadow of the Tomb Raider came out, and it seems like the franchise may finally be gearing up for a long-awaited return. A recent job listing from Crystal Dynamics suggests that development on the next Tomb Raider game is in its late stages.

While nothing has been formally confirmed, the clues hint at an imminent release in a year or maybe less. If we were to believe these new clues, that would mean that the studio is going to reveal the project in the coming months. And what better way to drop this bombshell on us than at the Summer Game Fest?

Crystal Dynamics is possibly hiring for the next entry into the franchise

On May 17, 2025, Crystal Dynamics posted a job listing for a Senior Level Designer, which u/somethingisnotwight caught and posted about on Reddit. The listing called for a Senior Level Designer...

Since the story trailer for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra was released over a year ago, there's been very little else shared about the upcoming game from Skydance New Media. Perhaps this should've been a sign because this week it was announced that the narrative-driven action adventure game has been delayed.

Although we never had an exact release date, it was believed that Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra was targeted a launch later this year. On X/Twitter, Skydance announced that the game has now been pushed back and will release in early 2026.

"Taking this additional time will allow us to add more polish, and make sure we give you the best possible experience, and one that lives up to our vision," the development team wrote in a statement. "We have some exciting things in store and look forward to sharing more soon!"

Important update regarding Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is one of the most anticipated superhero games, which recently got delayed to early 2026. Not that it was unexpected, as the trend of delays has been common in the gaming industry recently. Ever since the Cyberpunk 2077 fiasco, developers have been critical about releasing a polished product.

Delaying is both a good and a bad thing for a game release. While asking for more time allows for polishing, it also sort of kills the hype to some extent. That is certainly not the case for Rockstar Games, but for others, it’s the harsh reality. However, fans don’t blame Skydance for the delay, instead, they are calling it the Amy Hennig curse.

The Amy Hennig curse might just be real Got to fight the curse! | Image Credit: Skydance Interactive

Amy Hennig is the lead writer and producer of Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. In the past,...

For a moment, 2025 was shaping up to be the perfect year for Marvel comebacks. Matt Murdock was finally the star of his own stand-alone show after more than six years, the Fantastic Four are set to have their first live-action appearance in decades, and audiences witnessed a group of Avengers assemble on the big screen for the first time since 2019. Marvel has been off to a great start, and fans are waiting for many more projects to come over the course of the year.

While we're on the note of comebacks, Marvel is also undergoing its redemption arc in the video game world. After the underwhelming failure of Marvel's Avengers and the poor sales of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, there has been a glimpse of hope thanks to the heights reached by Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Marvel Rivals. The two recent titles made gamers all the more excited about...

It’s been seven years since Red Dead Redemption 2 left players emotionally gutted, and let’s be real, a little bit obsessed with Arthur Morgan’s every gruff word and tragic choice. Now, as the dust settles and Rockstar’s next move remains a mystery, the community’s imagination is running wild.

The big question? Who could possibly fill Arthur’s boots in Red Dead Redemption 3-and should they even try?

The answer, if you ask Reddit, is as bold as it is overdue: give the lead role to a Native American character. It’s a twist that’s got fans dreaming up new frontiers for Rockstar’s magnum opus, and the discussion is heating up.

Why fans want Red Dead Redemption 3 to break tradition

The idea of a Native American protagonist isn’t just a passing thought—it’s the centerpiece of a fast-growing Reddit movement. User u_r_kenough summed up the mood,...

The year was 2002. George W. Bush was talking about “weapons of mass destruction,” Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man was swinging into theaters, and PC gamers were about to experience a revolution disguised as a World War II shooter.

Behind this revolution stood an unlikely figure: Hollywood director Steven Spielberg. Fresh off the success of his Oscar-winning war epic Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg wasn’t content with just dominating the silver screen—he wanted to change how we experienced interactive entertainment too.

What followed was Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, a game that didn’t just raise the bar for first-person shooters—it completely rewrote the rulebook. Its DNA now flows through virtually every military shooter you’ve played in the last two decades, creating a legacy that continues to shape gaming in 2025.

How Spielberg’s vision sparked gaming’s most influential franchise

When Medal of Honor: Allied Assault stormed onto PCs...

Neil Druckmann just doesn’t care what you think anymore. The creative director behind The Last of Us franchise has apparently decided fan opinions are optional—a luxury afforded to those who’ve reached his level of industry clout.

But here’s the thing: when you’re steering the ship at Naughty Dog, one of Sony’s most valuable first-party studios, that cavalier attitude isn’t just risky—it’s potentially catastrophic.

During a recent Creator to Creator podcast with filmmaker Alex Garland, Druckmann casually dismissed the massive backlash to The Last of Us Part II with such nonchalance that it made my jaw drop. And it might just be the canary in the coal mine for his upcoming sci-fi epic, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

The “who gives a s***” approach to game development

Naughty Dog‘s creative head seems to have developed an immunity to criticism that borders on dangerous indifference.

The road to bringing Uncharted to the big screen was paved with more plot twists than the treasure-hunting adventures themselves. Before Tom Holland ever donned Nathan Drake’s iconic henley, a very different vision existed—one starring Deadpool himself.

That vision came from director Joe Carnahan, who envisioned an R-rated adventure that nearly had Ryan Reynolds stepping into Drake’s boots. But like the ancient artifacts in the games, this version of the film vanished into the mists of development hell.

The treasure hunter who never was. | Image Credit: Gage Skidmore/Cc By-sa 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

And behind this lost cinematic treasure lies a tale of creative control, studio politics, and some surprisingly candid comments about the franchise’s original creator and the man who would eventually take her place.

Reynolds’ lost treasure and Hennig’s stolen legacy

The Uncharted movie we eventually got bears little resemblance to what could have been.

Back in 2016, developer Naughty Dog decided that it wasn’t quite done with Nathan Drake, and Uncharted 4 was assembled and debuted to widespread critical acclaim. Just like all the previous entries in the franchise, A Thief’s End was praised for its phenomenal production, values, imaginative settings, and epic action sequences.

Uncharted 4 redefined gaming with its incredible action and cinematics. (Image via Sony)

Uncharted 4 was a massive success despite the fact that Naughty Dog lost its long-term series visionary and director, Amy Hennig. As it turns out, one approach by Neil Drunckmann in the game would’ve looked a lot different if Hennig had been involved in the development process.

Amy Hennig’s Ideas for Drake Nathan in Uncharted 4 Sam Drake would’ve looked a lot different under Amu Hennig’s creative vision. (Image via Sony)

While chatting with USGamer about the cancellation of her recent projects, Amy Hennig opened...

It’s been nine years since Nathan Drake’s supposed final adventure, and I still find myself returning to Uncharted 4 like an old friend. There’s something about that game that just hits differently from its predecessors—something I couldn’t quite put my finger on until recently.

One last treasure hunt. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

When Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley took over development after Amy Hennig’s departure, many fans (myself included) worried they’d turn our beloved treasure hunter into a brooding Joel-clone. But what they delivered was something far more nuanced: a mature evolution that traded supernatural spectacle for something more grounded.

And that’s precisely why I’ve come to believe that any attempt at Uncharted 5 would likely miss what made the fourth entry so special. It wasn’t just a great game—it was the perfect conclusion to a journey that seemingly didn’t need another chapter.

While Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End had a controversial development, especially with Amy Hennig leaving (in mid-development) and Neil Druckmann taking over, it remains one of the best entries in the franchise. It was widely praised for its visuals, engaging gameplay, and deep character-driven storytelling.

The game offers stunning visual and engaging gameplay. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

However, despite its near-perfect execution, players still have some gripes with its narrative, particularly regarding the third act’s pacing, which was a little wishy-washy. This led to minor criticisms, as some felt the inconsistent pacing affected the emotional impact of Nathan Drake’s final adventure.

Uncharted 4: A strong send-off with pacing issues Players have some gripe about the game’s pacing. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Uncharted 4 served as the final chapter in Nathan Drake’s journey, offering players a fitting farewell to the beloved treasure hunter. However, while the game...

Fans waiting for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra may have a better idea of when to expect the game. During an interview at MultiCon in Los Angeles, voice actor Khary Payton, who plays Black Panther in the game, hinted at a Christmas 2025 release.

“We’re still working. We’re planning on 2025… We’re thinking like a Christmas situation. But I’m so excited.”

Developed by Skydance New Media and led by Uncharted creator Amy Hennig, the game takes players to World War II-era France. It follows Black Panther and Captain America as they team up to battle Hydra forces.

Though in development for over five years, few details have been revealed. The game is confirmed to be a third-person action-adventure coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Related: ‘Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra’ Game to Feature Captain America and Black Panther’s Historic Team-Up, New Black Panther Revealed

Payton expressed excitement about the project,...

During a recent interview, one of the voice actors behind Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra narrowed the game's release window. 

The new action-adventure title from Uncharted creator Amy Hennig and her new studio at Skydance New Media is set to take comic book fans back in time. It tells a super-powered tale of Black Panther and Captain America as they form an uneasy alliance to battle Hydra forces in WWII-era France. 

Despite the game being developed for over five years, little is still known about it. It has been revealed to be a third-person action game, is seemingly set for a 2025 release, and will come to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Read full article on The Direct.

Marvel Rivals has changed the live service genre and given Marvel fans something to celebrate and enjoy. But for all its greatness, it is still a live service game. And as such, it doesn’t focus on story, cinematics or character growth. But worry not, because our favorite Avengers directors might save us.

Marvel Rivals has been a massive success. | Image Credit: NetEase Games

The Russo Brothers have expressed interest in developing video games tied to Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Given their history with Marvel Studios, if they bring the same level of care and ambition to a Marvel game, we could be looking at one of the greatest games ever.

Marvel Rivals is big, but we can go even bigger A true Avengers scale game would be awesome. | Image Credit: Marvel Studios

Joe and Anthony Russo have already made their mark on Hollywood, directing some of our favorite,...

When players think about how various Naughty Dog titles and their sequels are connected and evolve, it’s easy to assume that everything must be meticulously planned out in advance. After all, storylines and character arcs need to flow seamlessly from one game to the next, right? Well, not quite.

The studio has a reputation for creating complex stories. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

As Neil Druckmann, head of Naughty Dog, revealed at the recent Dice Summit, he doesn’t plan sequels at all. In fact, he believes the process is so time-consuming that thinking about the next chapter while working on the current one is a distraction.

Naughty Dog’s unique approach to character and world-building Druckmann revealed how the studio approached the sequel. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Over the years, Naughty Dog has built a reputation for creating worlds and characters so deeply connected to players that every action,...

Neil Druckmann is one of the most well-known and celebrated figures in the gaming and entertainment industry. But that doesn’t mean he has been free of controversy. A lot of fans have criticized him for a lot of things from the direction of The Last of Us Part 2, to his personal comments.

Image Credit: Gage Skidmore, licensed under Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most debated aspects of his career is his work on Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, which he took over after Amy Hennig’s departure. While Hennig had a different version in mind, the version we eventually got from Druckmann is arguably better in a lot of ways. And it has nothing to do with Hennig’s design being bad.

Neil Druckmann made a lot of crucial changes to Uncharted 4, and they worked The game turned out to be completely different, and it worked.

The gaming industry has seen its fair share of controversial departures, but few have sparked as much speculation and debate as Amy Hennig’s exit from Naughty Dog in 2014. As the creative force behind the Uncharted series, Hennig’s sudden departure left fans wondering what could have prompted such a dramatic split.

The creative force that shaped Nathan Drake’s destiny. | Image Credit: Aias/YouTube

Nearly a decade later, the true reasons continue to remain shrouded in mystery, protected by NDAs and corporate silence. However, recent discussions have reignited interest in this pivotal moment in gaming history, with many pointing fingers at what they perceive as a fundamental shift in the studio’s creative direction under Neil Druckmann’s leadership.

The controversial exodus from Naughty Dog

Let’s rewind to 2014 when the gaming world was blindsided by news that would change Naughty Dog forever. Amy Hennig, the mastermind behind the intricate narratives of Uncharted,...

As a gamer, you’ve probably heard of Neil Druckmann. Studio Head & Head of Creative at Naughty Dog, Druckmann is one of the most influential and popular figures in the gaming industry, known for his work on the Uncharted and The Last of Us series. But did you know he is also a topic of great controversy?

The Last of Us 2 is a great example of this. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Druckmann’s approach to character design, specifically for female characters, has been something that fans have criticized over the years. A lot of fans believe that Druckmann’s female characters feel “artificial,” and look like they’re a particular aesthetic rather than looking natural. The Last of Us Part 2‘s Abby has been a big example of this alleged bias.

Abby from The Last of Us 2 is just really unnatural Just how is Abby so big? | Image Credit: Naughty...

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra already has a lot on its plate. In addition to placing the player in the roles of Captain America and Black Panther, two beloved Marvel characters with huge fan bases, the upcoming game will also include a Wakandan spy and a member of the Howling Commandos for good measure.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra will be released in 2025. | Credit: Skydance Media.

However, this title is being developed under the leadership of legendary video game writer and director Amy Hennig at Skydance Media. So, we can expect that Hennig will dish out a great Marvel game, that is set in the backdrop of World War II. However, there are two reasons why Hennig and the team chose this particular event as the game’s setting.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra will feature two different versions of Captain America and Black Panther Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra...

It seems like Marvel Games have been having an incredible year coming ahead. EA is developing both Iron Man and Black Panther Games, Arkane Lyon is bringing Marvel’s Blade, and Insomniac Studios is still working hard for Marvel’s Wolverine. However, there’s one Marvel Project that can beat everything: Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is right around the corner. (Image via Skydance Games)

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra was announced back in September 2022, and it’s being developed by Skydance Games. While it’s all set to release this year, the developers still haven’t shared much about the game. However, we do know for a fact that the title will allow us to fight against Nazis, and that’s perfect considering everything that’s been going on in the political space these days.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra brings some Nazi action...

Video game projects are no longer the critical and commercial poison they once were. Between the "Sonic the Hedgehog" trilogy on the big screen and TV shows like "The Last of Us," "Castlevania," and "Fallout" building expansive worlds and telling original stories that nevertheless capture the essence of their source material, we're getting more and more acclaimed adaptations of video games by the day.

Still, there is one big recent blockbuster video game movie that tried to launch a franchise only to massively disappoint critics and fans alike: "Uncharted." Directed by Ruben Fleischer and based on the video game series of the same name created by Amy Hennig for Naughty Dog, the film stars Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg as two adventurers in a race against a corrupt billionaire to find a legendary treasure. It's an old-school adventure like "Indiana Jones" and "The Mummy," but with all the CGI flare...

If you’re a fan of the Uncharted series by Naughty Dog, then you have surely asked this one question before. Should the studio and Neil Druckmann make another game? Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End had a near-perfect conclusion to Nathan Drake’s story, so the debate is not just about the if, but also the how.

Uncharted is one of the most celebrated franchises in gaming. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

The PlayStation 5 has had a lot of successful games but there has been a noticeable drop in exclusive games which means the console hasn’t sold as much. There has also been a gap in the action-adventure genre for a game like Uncharted to shine with strong adventure and story beats.

What incentive does Naughty Dog have to make a new Uncharted game? Uncharted 4 has a perfect ending, so why touch it? | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

The ending...

The PlayStation 5 era of Sony’s consoles has been full of ups and downs as the PS5 has gotten some pretty great games, but also not a lot of them. One particular spot that seems to be lacking for a lot of fans is the action-adventure genre and you probably know where we’re going with this. We need an Uncharted game on the PS5!

The PS5 needs the magical touch of Naughty Dog and Amy Hennig. | Image Credit: Sony

Nathan Drake’s adventures are a big part of PlayStation and Sony’s history. The Uncharted franchise was one that brought gameplay and story innovations that are still talked about and compared to today and it feels like it’s the one puzzle piece missing from the PS5.

Uncharted is sorely missed on the PS5 Nathan Drake gave us an unmatched experience. Image Credit: Naughty Dog

We first saw Uncharted...

As games continue to grow in scope and scale, developers and players alike are grappling with an interesting paradox: while titles keep getting bigger, fewer people are actually finishing them. It’s a trend that continues to spark debate within the gaming community—with some arguing that massive open worlds are becoming more burden than a blessing.

Maybe we’ve been measuring game success all wrong, folks. | Image Credit: Obsidian Entertainment

Now, Joshua Sawyer, the veteran developer behind Fallout: New Vegas and numerous other beloved RPGs, has weighed in on this contentious topic. With 26 years of industry experience under his belt, his perspective offers a refreshing take on what it truly means to “complete” a game.

And his stance? Well, it might just change how you think about your ever-growing backlog of unfinished adventures.

The joy of the journey matters more than the destination

In a recent video addressing questions from his Tumblr followers,...

The gaming industry has undergone a fascinating transformation over the past decade, with titles growing increasingly longer and more content-rich. While this might seem like a win for players looking to maximize their entertainment value, former Starfield lead designer Will Shen has some thought-provoking insights about this trend.

Remember when games knew when to say goodbye? | Image Credit: Bethesda

In a recent interview on Kiwi Talkz, the veteran developer, who spent over two decades designing sprawling RPGs at Bethesda, shared his perspective on how games like Skyrim and Fallout may have inadvertently shaped—and perhaps complicated—the industry’s approach to game length.

As the conversation around “bigger = better” continues to evolve, Shen’s candid observations offer a unique glimpse into how we got here, and more importantly, whether this trajectory is sustainable for both developers and players alike.

How Skyrim and Fallout changed the game

Remember when games were like well-portioned meals,...

If you’re a gamer, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of Naughty Dog, the development studio behind some of the most iconic games in the industry’s history. Founded in 1984 by Andrew Gavin and Jason Rubin, the studio had achieved success with beloved franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter.

Nd was once an independent studio. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

In the early 2000s, the studio arrived at a crossroads. The escalating costs of developing a game in the 2000s were straining the studio’s resources. And so, Naughty Dog was sold to Sony in 2001. Gavin has recently shared some details regarding the situation back then and why selling the studio was the best option.

Selling Naughty Dog to Sony was the best move We wouldn’t have gotten some of our favorite games without this move. Image Credit: Naughty Dog

When Naughty Dog started in the 1980s,...

The Uncharted series is one of the most recognized and critically acclaimed franchises in the gaming industry. It redefined the action-adventure genre with its immersive storytelling and engaging combat. At the helm of the first three titles was Amy Hennig, whose creative vision turned Nathan Drake’s adventures into a global sensation.

The series made a huge impact on the action-adventure genre. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Even with the success of the multiple titles and her rise to becoming a household name, Hennig knew that the gaming industry doesn’t always guarantee success. It is often filled with numerous obstacles, particularly when it comes to funding projects that require hundreds of millions of dollars.

Uncharted‘s success didn’t eliminate the risks of the gaming industry Hennig understands the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

The size and scope of modern Aaa games are on a constant uptrend.

Amy Hennig, the creative force behind the Uncharted series, has been on quite the journey since her departure from Naughty Dog in 2014. From canceled Star Wars projects to her current venture with Skydance New Media’s Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, she’s proven time and again that she knows how to craft compelling narratives that keep players on the edge of their seats.

Amy Hennig, the mother of the Uncharted franchise. | Image Credit: Aias/YouTube

Back in 2018, during a candid interview at Gamelab in Barcelona where she received the Honor Award, Hennig shared some intriguing thoughts about the future of the franchise she helped build. Despite Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End seemingly wrapping up Nathan Drake’s story with a neat bow, she suggested that there might be more tales to tell in this treasure-hunting universe.

And her reasoning? Well, it all comes down to a certain fedora-wearing...

The Uncharted series, developed under the direction of Amy Hennig offered a cinematic narrative with its unforgettable characters, action-packed sequences, and immersive world-building. Hennig’s direction brought Nathan Drake to life while elevating the series to a new level with rich narrative depth.

The series is known for its complex narrative and unforgettable characters. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

However, even with the trilogy’s massive commercial and critical success, Hennig revealed a scene from Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception which she still regrets. One that even Nolan North, the voice behind Nathan Drake, felt could have been executed better.

Amy Hennig’s regret over an Uncharted 3 scene Hennig regrets not changing the one scene in the desert area. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

In Uncharted 3, Nathan Drake finds himself stranded in the vast and unforgiving Rub’ al Khali desert after surviving a plane crash. Struggling to survive, he came across an abandoned village,...

Focus testing—where dreams are made, broken, and occasionally result in someone being escorted from the building. Just ask Neil Druckmann, who found himself in quite the situation during the development of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End at Naughty Dog. Who knew that a simple scene could cause such a ruckus?

Never been one to shy away from controversy. | Image Credit: DomTheBomb/YouTube

As it turns out, not all testers were thrilled with Sony’s flagship studio pushing the envelope. While most feedback sessions involve constructive criticism about gameplay mechanics or bug reports, this particular instance ventured into territory that no one saw coming—and ended with one very angry tester being shown the door.

The incident in question? Well, let’s just say someone wasn’t too happy about Nathan Drake’s family planning decisions.

Uncharted 4: When inclusivity meets resistance

You might think that the most controversial...

Neil Druckmann is criticized for not having a tasteful outlook towards designing women in his games since all of them look quite similar, with the same bleak look on their faces and nothing more to add to the character.

Neil Druckmann needs to diversify his female characters. Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Whereas Amy Hennig’s female characters are the most memorable. She understands the nuances of getting things right, so she paces ahead of Druckmann, who seems completely unaware of what makes a female character stand out and be memorable.

Neil Druckmann’s women in games are very boring Amy Henning has created some of the most memorable female characters. Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Most of the characters designed by Druckmann, including Abby, Mel, and Dina, are all quite plain and simple, without any memorable qualities or characteristics.

The criticism has once again seen the light of day after the...

Troy Baker has become a staple in the video game industry for decades now. He has captivated gamers with his performances as a diverse array of beloved characters. From his unforgettable portrayal of Joel in The Last of Us to his roles as Sam in Uncharted and various characters in Batman: Arkham series, the list goes on and on forever.

Baker has many characters iconic with his brilliant voice acting. | Image Credit: Milan Games Week via YouTube

However, despite all the impressive characters he has brought to life, there is one Marvel superhero that Baker is particularly passionate about portraying in a video game: Daredevil. And it’s not just because the hero is a complex character with a rich history, it’s because of how his senses work, especially the fact that he can’t see.

Troy Baker’s fascination with the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen Baker shared...

When Amy Hennig first teased her story-driven Marvel project back in 2021, fans of her work on the Uncharted series were immediately intrigued. After all, this was the creative mind behind Nathan Drake’s globe-trotting adventures, now taking on the Marvel universe. The possibilities seemed endless.

Hennig’s next adventure. | Image Credit: Skydance New Media

Fast forward to 2024, and Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has evolved from a mysterious tease into one of the most anticipated games of 2025. Under Hennig’s direction at Skydance New Media, this World War II-era adventure promises to blend cinematic storytelling with Marvel’s rich universe in ways we’ve never seen before.

As new details continue to emerge about this ambitious project, it’s becoming clear that Hennig isn’t just making another superhero game—she’s making something that draws from her deepest passions as a storyteller and game creator.

The “intrigue” behind Marvel...

Marvel as a franchise is currently blowing up in the gaming industry thanks to NetEase Games’ Magnus opus, Marvel Rivals. Right from its initial reveal, it caught everyone’s eye, and now that it’s out in the wild, the hero-shooter is dominating the competition and establishing a name for itself in the genre.

There’s a new Marvel game on the horizon. (Image via Skydance New Media)

However, there’s more on the horizon from this superhero universe. Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is the next project by Amy Henning, who gave us titles such as Uncharted and Legacy of Kain.

It’s currently being developed by Skydance New Media and has a lot of expectations. The developer is taking a unique approach to the game and even planning to bring a third super soldier that players barely know about.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra will introduce another powerful...

When asked about Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End in 2017, Alan Tudyk’s response raised quite a few eyebrows. The veteran actor, who was originally attached to Naughty Dog’s ambitious project before walking away in 2014, had some rather interesting reasons for not checking out the final product.

Alan Tudyk at the 2024 Phoenix Fan Fusion. | Image Credit: Gage Skidmore/Cc By-sa 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

While many assumed his departure from the project left him bitter towards the studio, the truth behind his gaming preferences—or lack thereof—paints a surprisingly different picture. As it turns out, Tudyk’s aversion to Uncharted 4 might have less to do with any behind-the-scenes drama and more to do with something far more fundamental: the shape of PlayStation’s buttons.

The curious case of Alan Tudyk and Naughty Dog

Back in 2014, Tudyk was set to lend his considerable talents to Uncharted 4 in an undisclosed role. However,...

Controversies and unexpected twists are common in the gaming industry, but few have sparked as much debate as Amy Hennig’s sudden departure from Naughty Dog in 2014, right in the middle of Uncharted 4‘s development. As the creative force behind the successful franchise, her sudden exit was shocking, to say the least.

After Hennig’s departure, the game went through a lot of changes. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

While rumors of her being “forced out” were quickly quashed, the real story of her exit and what followed after, sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood drama. In an interview, Nathan Drake’s voice actor, Nolan North, shed new light on how Hennig’s departure led to a major overhaul of the game and the erasure of much of her work as the studio shifted direction.

Amy Hennig’s departure marked a change in the studio’s vision and strategy...

“Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra” is an upcoming action-adventure video game set in World War II in Occupied Paris. The story follows Captain America (Steve Rogers) and Black Panther (Azzuri), the king of Wakanda, as they team up to stop the Hydra terrorist group.

The game is being developed by Skydance New Media and published by Plaion, with a release date set for 2025. It’s based on the 2010 Marvel Comics series “Captain America / Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers.”

Amy Hennig, the writer and producer of the game, recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly to share more details about the setting and the historic team-up featured in the game.

Amy Hennig explained that the setting of the game gave them a lot of creative freedom. It allowed them to show a younger Steve Rogers, who is still figuring things out, instead of the more experienced Captain America seen in the movies.

Skydance and Marvel Games' Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is a World War II-set adventure revolving around newly created versions of Captain America and Black Panther.

The title, overseen by the Uncharted franchise's Amy Hennig, could be the most cinematic superhero video game to date. The reveal trailer which dropped earlier this year pointed to that being the case, though we are still waiting to see some gameplay footage.

Ahead of the game's planned 2025 release, Entertainment Weekly caught up with Hennig who said, "It led us to do a bunch of interesting things, one of which was to not only tell a story with a young Steve Rogers who's still trying to find his feet, as opposed to the more seasoned guy that we've seen in a lot of the films. It also let us introduce a new Black Panther of 1943."

"It led us to tap into all the things that I love,...

‘Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra’ is an upcoming action-adventure video game set during World War II in Occupied Paris. The game follows Captain America (Steve Rogers) and Black Panther (Azzuri), the king of Wakanda, as they team up to stop the rise of the Hydra terrorist group.

It is developed by Skydance New Media and published by Plaion, with a release date set for 2025. The game is inspired by the 2010 Marvel Comics series ‘Captain America / Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers.’

Writer and producer of the game, Amy Hennig recently sat down with Entertainment Weekly and discussed it in great detail starting with the setting and the historic teamup in the game.

Starting with the setting, Henning explained the novelty and the freedom that came with it. She explained that the game’s setting allowed them to explore a younger Steve Rogers, still finding his way, instead of the more...

The gaming industry has seen its fair share of creative shake-ups, but few have sparked as much curiosity (and controversy) as Amy Hennig’s departure from Naughty Dog in 2014. As the creative force behind the Uncharted series, Hennig had spent two years crafting Nathan Drake’s swan song before unexpectedly leaving the studio.

Amy Hennig, the mother of the Uncharted franchise. | Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences/YouTube

What followed was a fascinating tale of “what could have been.” With Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley stepping in fresh off their success with The Last of Us, many elements of Hennig’s original vision were reimagined or completely scrapped.

But just how different was the Uncharted 4 we got from the one Hennig had planned?

Amy Hennig’s Original Vision for Uncharted 4

While the core DNA of Uncharted 4 remained largely intact through its development transition, some key elements underwent dramatic changes. In Hennig’s version,...

Modern-day triple Aaa titles have become too big for their own good. A massive influx of money and resources is currently being put into game development for nothing. Most players do not even reach the very end of a game these days.

Amy Hennig feels the need to talk about the increasing gameplay time of video games. Image Credit: @Sonaratv/Wikimedia Commons

Even the former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden agrees; he feels that with each generation of consoles, the price of developing games increases massively due to games becoming too large for players to keep up with. Amy Hennig has been saying the same for a very long time now.

Major Aaa Titles Are Compromising Storytelling For Longer Gameplay Time God of War was also criticized for being a little too big. Image Credit: Santa Monica Studios

How often do you see players beat a 100-hour gameplay? Most of the...

The chaotic missions in Helldivers 2 are one of the main reasons why players love the game, however, sometimes things can get out of hand. As a Helldiver, the enemies aren’t the only threats as you can also get killed by your teammates’ Stratagems or weapons. A player has shared a post on social media addressing this issue, explaining that players must be careful around mechs as it is difficult for the user in mech to fight while being careful about not crushing friendlies.

Players are accidentally getting crushed by Mechs (Image via Arrowhead Game Studios)

Some Helldivers 2 players have zero survival instincts as they are not very careful moving around Stratagems like Automated Sentries and Orbital Cannons. Players must understand that you can’t always blame the person who has accidentally killed you as you must be aware of your surroundings while fighting off enemy forces.

Helldivers 2 Players Are...

The gaming industry’s rumor mill is spinning at full speed following Troy Baker’s reported return to Naughty Dog. While the veteran voice actor’s upcoming reunion with Neil Druckmann has sparked inevitable speculation about Uncharted 5, the reality might be a bit more complicated than fans are willing to admit.

A scene from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

After all, Uncharted isn’t just about snappy one-liners and death-defying leaps across ancient ruins. At its core, it’s the product of a very specific creative vision—one that came from someone who hasn’t been part of Naughty Dog for quite some time.

And while Baker’s talent for bringing characters to life is undeniable, there’s an argument to be made that some treasures are better left in their final resting place.

The Uncharted Legacy: Way More Than Just Star Power

According to GQ Magazine...

Did you play Stellar Blade this year? It’s been one of the most surprisingly amazing games of the year and has been nominated for Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2024. Unfortunately, though, the unsung hero behind this success is leaving Sony.

The man has been an integral part of PlayStation history. | Image Credit: PlayStation

Shuhei Yoshida, one of the most influential figures in the video game industry and a cornerstone of PlayStation’s legacy, has announced his retirement from Sony Interactive Entertainment. After an illustrious career spanning 31 years, Yoshida will step down on January 15, 2025.

Stellar Blade Owes Some of Its Success to Yoshida

Yoshida began his PlayStation journey in 1993, joining Ken Kutaragi’s team as the first non-engineer member. Tasked with bridging the gap between developers and the emerging console, he worked tirelessly to convince publishers to take on 3D graphics, which was then a new concept.

The...