On November 5, 2025, Naughty Dog released an official 40th anniversary retrospective celebrating four decades of one of gaming’s most legendary studios. Founded in 1984 by teenagers Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin as JAM Software, the studio has evolved from making forgotten early titles to becoming one of PlayStation’s most important first-party developers. The retrospective video doesn’t just celebrate the past – it hints at the future with glimpses of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and a declaration of intent to continue making story-driven, character-based games that define a generation.
From Teenage Bedroom to Gaming Empire
The story of Naughty Dog starts with two teenagers who had a dream and access to computers. Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin formed JAM Software in 1984, creating early titles like Math Jam and Ski Crazed for the Apple II computer. These games were competent but forgettable, the kind of projects that get buried in gaming history, referenced only in footnotes about “early works.”
Everything changed when the duo signed a three-game deal with Universal Interactive Studios and created Crash Bandicoot for the PlayStation in 1996. That game became a phenomenon, spawning a trilogy on the original PlayStation and establishing Naughty Dog as a developer who understood character, platform design, and what makes games fun. Those early titles everyone forgets? They were the training ground that prepared Gavin and Rubin for their masterpiece.
The studio later created Crash Team Racing and then moved to PlayStation 2 with Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, expanding their reputation with a new IP that proved Crash’s success wasn’t a fluke. Naughty Dog was becoming a studio that could make incredible games across multiple franchises.
The Cinematic Revolution Begins
In 2007, Naughty Dog released Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune on PlayStation 3, and everything changed again. This wasn’t just a great game – it was a statement about what video games could be narratively and cinematically. Uncharted proved that games could have Hollywood-quality storytelling, motion-captured performances, and jaw-dropping set pieces without sacrificing gameplay. The studio followed up with three more Uncharted games that defined the PlayStation 3 and 4 generations.
But Uncharted wasn’t Naughty Dog’s only triumph in this era. In 2013, they released The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic character study about Joel and Ellie that won universal acclaim and launched a franchise of its own. The Last of Us Part II arrived on PlayStation 4 in 2020 to similar critical acclaim, cementing Naughty Dog’s reputation as masters of story-driven action games that treat players like adults capable of engaging with complex themes.
According to studio head Neil Druckmann, this era represented Naughty Dog’s commitment to cinematic storytelling without losing the interactive essence of games. Each title felt like a leap forward in how characters could be portrayed and narratives could unfold in interactive media.
The Leadership That Built the Legacy
The 40th anniversary retrospective features interviews with current studio leadership who have been instrumental in Naughty Dog’s modern success. Neil Druckmann has led the creative vision since taking over as co-president. Alison Mori, studio manager and head of operations, has managed the studio’s day-to-day operations and expansion. Erick Pangilinan, co-head of art, has overseen the visual spectacle that makes Naughty Dog games instantly recognizable.
Notably, Jason Rubin, one of the two teenage founders, left in 2004 to work on The Iron Saint (which never released), ending his direct involvement with the studio. But Andy Gavin’s influence and vision set the foundation that Druckmann and the modern leadership team continue to build upon. The 40-year journey is a story of founders creating something that outlasted their direct involvement while remaining true to core principles about storytelling and craft.
Looking Forward: Intergalactic and Story-Driven Games
The retrospective doesn’t dwell exclusively in the past. Alison Mori provides a window into Naughty Dog’s future philosophy: “I know our studio will continue to create amazing story-driven, character-based games that touch upon the human experience.” That’s not just marketing speak – it’s a commitment to what made Naughty Dog legendary.
The video includes brief footage from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Naughty Dog’s upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive currently in development. While details remain sparse, the fact that Naughty Dog showcases it alongside 40 years of classics suggests they believe Intergalactic represents the natural evolution of everything they’ve been building since 1984.
Intergalactic appears to be a sci-fi action-adventure game continuing Naughty Dog’s tradition of cinematic storytelling with meaningful character development. The brief glimpses suggest production values that match or exceed anything in the industry, which is exactly what Naughty Dog has trained us to expect.
From Forgotten Early Years to Gaming Landmark
What makes the Naughty Dog 40-year journey remarkable is how comprehensive it is. Most studios would edit their early work out of existence. Naughty Dog’s retrospective doesn’t ignore Rings of Power and Way of the Warrior, but it doesn’t dwell on them either. Those games matter because they represent the learning phase that led to everything else.
Crash Bandicoot gets its proper due as the franchise that launched Naughty Dog into prominence. Jak and Daxter is celebrated as proof Naughty Dog could create compelling new IP. Uncharted and The Last of Us receive extensive coverage as the studio’s defining cinematic achievements. The retrospective is structured as a natural progression from simple platformers to complex character studies, showing 40 years of evolution without suggesting any era was wasted.
The studio’s physical anniversary exhibition at Gallery Nucleus, which featured developer signings, cosplay, and fan gatherings, reinforced that Naughty Dog’s games aren’t just products – they’re cultural touchstones that mean something to millions of people who grew up with them.
FAQs
When did Naughty Dog’s 40th anniversary retrospective release?
The official 40th anniversary retrospective video released on November 5, 2025. The retrospective is available on Naughty Dog’s official channels and includes interviews with current studio leadership.
When was Naughty Dog actually founded?
Naughty Dog was founded in 1984 as JAM Software by teenagers Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin. The studio changed its name to Naughty Dog in 1989.
What was Naughty Dog’s first successful game?
Crash Bandicoot (1996) was Naughty Dog’s breakthrough title that established them as major developers. The game spawned a successful trilogy on the original PlayStation.
Who are the co-founders?
Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin founded Naughty Dog as teenagers in 1984. Rubin left in 2004, while Gavin’s influence remains foundational to the studio’s DNA.
What major franchises has Naughty Dog created?
Naughty Dog created Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us. These four franchises define the studio’s 40-year history.
When was the Uncharted series first released?
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune released in 2007 on PlayStation 3. This game marked Naughty Dog’s shift toward cinematic storytelling and defined an entire generation of PlayStation gaming.
When did The Last of Us first launch?
The Last of Us released in 2013 on PlayStation 3. The sequel, The Last of Us Part II, arrived in 2020 on PlayStation 4.
What is Naughty Dog working on now?
Naughty Dog is developing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet for PlayStation 5. Details remain limited, but brief glimpses in the 40th anniversary video suggest a sci-fi action-adventure game continuing the studio’s cinematic storytelling tradition.
When was Naughty Dog acquired by Sony?
Naughty Dog was acquired by Sony Computer Entertainment in 2001. The studio has remained one of PlayStation’s most important first-party developers since the acquisition.
Has Naughty Dog worked on other franchises?
Beyond their major franchises, Naughty Dog created Crash Team Racing as a spin-off and has worked on remasters and remakes including The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5.
What is Naughty Dog’s philosophy going forward?
According to studio manager Alison Mori, Naughty Dog will continue to “create amazing story-driven, character-based games that touch upon the human experience.” That philosophy has remained consistent throughout their 40-year history.
Conclusion
Naughty Dog’s 40th anniversary retrospective is a celebration of incredible longevity in an industry where most studios don’t make it past two decades. From teenagers making forgotten games for the Apple II to one of PlayStation’s most important first-party developers creating critically acclaimed franchises, the journey is remarkable. The studio has reinvented itself multiple times – from platformers to action games to cinematic narratives – while maintaining core principles about character, storytelling, and craft. With Intergalactic on the horizon and a stated commitment to continuing their story-driven, character-based approach, Naughty Dog enters their fifth decade with momentum and purpose. Here’s to 40 years of legend, and to whatever the next 40 years bring.