Sony PlayStation’s latest first-party game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, developed by Naughty Dog and revealed at The Game Awards 2024, is already embroiled in controversy. Within minutes of its trailer debut, the game has been flooded with backlash from gamers and PlayStation fans across the internet. Critics are drawing parallels between this project and Sony’s recent disaster, Concord, raising questions about whether the game could become yet another major misstep for the gaming giant.
The Premise: A Bold New IP with High Expectations
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is Naughty Dog’s first new IP in over a decade since The Last of Us (2013). Directed by Neil Druckmann, the game is an ambitious departure from the studio’s narrative-heavy grounded storytelling, venturing into the realm of space-bound bounty hunters and extra-terrestrial exploration.
The story follows Jordan A. Mun, a bald-headed Black female protagonist and bounty hunter stranded on Sempiria, a planet shrouded in mystery. With the planet’s communication cut off for centuries, Jordan must use her wits and survival skills to escape its orbit and uncover its secrets.
While the premise has the makings of a thrilling sci-fi action-adventure, the reception to the trailer has been overwhelmingly negative, with fans slamming it for what they perceive as “agenda-driven” storytelling and uninspired character design.
The Backlash: Gamers Slam the “Woke” Approach
The most significant criticism aimed at Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet revolves around its protagonist, Jordan A. Mun. Fans have accused Naughty Dog of focusing more on pushing an agenda than creating a compelling character. Many argue that Jordan’s design comes across as “generic” and “unrelatable,” with detractors saying she exudes “lesbian boss” vibes, portraying a superiority complex over male characters.
This perceived “woke” narrative approach has drawn comparisons to other recent flops like Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which failed to resonate with players. Critics believe that such agenda-driven storytelling alienates the core gaming audience, which craves depth and relatability over divisive tropes.
Adding to the backlash, the trailer’s reception on platforms like YouTube has been brutal. Most uploads are being heavily ratioed, with dislikes far outnumbering likes. Naughty Dog even disabled the comments on their official YouTube channel, but PlayStation’s main channel didn’t, exposing them to a barrage of scathing feedback.
Sony’s Concord Debacle: A Cautionary Tale
The timing of this backlash couldn’t be worse for Sony, as the wounds from their recent failure, Concord, are still fresh. Released earlier in 2024, Concord was a $400 million multiplayer title that turned into a colossal flop, selling only 25,000 copies throughout its lifecycle. Gamers criticized Concord for its bland characters and agenda-heavy design, with the game’s failure prompting Sony to shutter its developer, Firewalk Studio, mere months after release.
This disastrous outcome serves as a warning for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. With a significant portion of the gaming community already voicing discontent, Sony risks repeating history if they fail to address the concerns surrounding this game.
Should Sony Hit the Pause Button?
Given the backlash, the question arises: should Sony cancel Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet before it becomes another Concord-like failure? While cancellation may seem drastic, there’s a precedent for game developers re-evaluating projects based on early feedback. Perhaps revisiting character designs, enhancing the narrative appeal, and toning down perceived agenda-driven elements could salvage the game and rebuild goodwill among fans.
Alternatively, Sony could use this opportunity to double down on quality assurance, ensuring the gameplay mechanics and storytelling are compelling enough to win over critics when the game launches.
The Road Ahead for Naughty Dog and Sony
While it’s too soon to write off Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the backlash serves as a stark reminder of the high expectations gamers have for first-party PlayStation titles. Naughty Dog has a reputation for delivering groundbreaking games, and the studio’s ability to pivot in response to criticism could determine whether this new IP becomes a blockbuster or a bust.
Sony cannot afford another Concord-like debacle, especially with stiff competition in the gaming industry. By listening to their fans and addressing concerns early, they may yet turn this controversy into an opportunity for redemption.