AlthoughNaughty Doghasn’t officially announced its next project ahead of the fact that it exists, there’s now confirmation of Troy Baker playing a character in Naughty Dog’s next game. Before this casting announcement, there was a tie between the next title beingThe Last of Us 3, or a new rumored steampunk game. However, the current most likely scenario is that the next title won’t beThe Last of Us 3. Unless there are going to be a lot of flashbacks in the third installment ofThe Last of Us, it doesn’t make sense for Baker to play Joel, and playing another character in the same franchise seems like a far cry, unless it’s a statement-making cameo.
At the same time, since Baker’s role in Naughty Dog’s next game is confirmed, the fans will have to make do with the likely possibility that he’s here to play another character this time around and most likely in another title. It’s likely that Baker is voicing a completely new character, or he could be playing a role from anotherNaughty Dogfranchise likeUncharted. The possibility of him playing a new character in a new IP, however, seems like the most plausible course and aligns well with ongoing speculation.
Naughty Dog is Rumored To be Working on a Game Called Stray’s Cross
Rumors about a sci-fi or steampunk Naughty Dog game titledStray’s Crosshave been circulating for a while. The studio is known to surprise players with its expansive storytelling; transitioning to a new genre would be a bold move at this point, although potentially lucrative. Asci-fi gamecould allow the studio to explore new angles, mechanics, and visuals. The rumored game is expected to be first-person, so the change in perspective would also be a significant departure from its usual style.
Troy Baker potentially playing a main character in such a title does ring a bell and would potentially pull the studio’s existing fanbase.ForThe Last of Usfans, on one hand, there’s potential for a fresh and exciting new project; on the other, there’s the pain of watching their beloved series take a backseat.
The Other Direction Would Be Another Uncharted Installment
AlthoughUnchartedconcluded withLost Legacy, there is always room for a new game in the franchise. The character of Sam Drake, voiced byTroy Baker, didn’t see a definitive closure afterUncharted 4andLost Legacy. So there is room for Naughty Dog to revisit theUncharteduniverse. At the same time, a return toUnchartedmight feel like a step backward for both fans and Naughty Dog.
If The Next Game Is The Last of Us 3, Baker Could Be Playing a Cameo
Neil Druckmannhas confirmed Baker’s involvement in the next Naughty Dog project, but it’s not yet clear what he will be playing next. Fans saw Baker return to HBO’sThe Last of UsSeason 1 in a cameo role, so it’s not out of the books for Baker to appear in Naughty Dog’s next game in a casual capacity as well. Even if the next game ends up beingThe Last of Us 3, instead of returning as Joel in flashbacks, a character who has already been killed off in the previous installment, Baker could take on a cameo role.
Needless to say, everything should be taken with a massive grain of salt. Odds are that Baker’s character in Naughty Dog’s title won’t be Joel, and it’s likely going to be in a completely new IP.The Last of UsJoelloyalists are always going to miss Baker’s beloved character for years to come, so having the actor around in either capacity remains bittersweet.
