Naughty Dog fans hoping to get their hands on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet in 2026 just got some disappointing news. Despite recent speculation suggesting the game was nearly finished, multiple industry insiders have confirmed the sci-fi adventure won’t be launching next year and won’t even make an appearance at The Game Awards 2025.
The Rumor That Started It All
The excitement began when Colin Moriarty appeared on Dan Allen’s podcast and shared what he believed was positive news about Intergalactic’s development. Moriarty claimed the game was essentially content complete, with Naughty Dog hiring localization staff and preparing for a potential reveal at The Game Awards 2025. He even suggested the game could launch around late 2026.
His comments spread quickly across social media and gaming forums, with fans eagerly anticipating a second look at the game that debuted at The Game Awards 2024. The original reveal trailer featured bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun, retro-futuristic tech, a Porsche spaceship, and Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s a Sin” as the soundtrack, generating significant buzz for the studio’s first new IP in years.
Insiders Quickly Shut Down the Speculation
The optimism didn’t last long. Jeff Grubb from Giant Bomb took to social media to clarify that Intergalactic will not be shown at The Game Awards 2025. Shortly after, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, one of gaming’s most reliable journalists, posted on Reddit with an even more definitive statement: “I can assure you that Intergalactic is not coming out in 2026.”
Both insiders made it clear that Moriarty’s comments were speculation rather than concrete information from reliable sources. In fact, many gaming community members pointed out that Moriarty was simply thinking out loud during a casual podcast conversation, not reporting verified insider information.
When Can We Actually Expect Intergalactic
According to multiple reports, 2027 appears to be the earliest realistic launch window for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Schreier has previously stated that 2027 is the soonest fans should expect the game. This timeline makes sense considering Naughty Dog’s history of lengthy development cycles and the game’s ambitious scope.
Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog’s president and Intergalactic’s co-director, has described the project as potentially “the most expensive” game in the studio’s history. The Last of Us Part 2 cost $220 million over six years with 200 full-time employees, and Intergalactic could surpass that figure. Rising AAA development costs, combined with the game’s star-studded cast including Tati Gabrielle, Kumail Nanjiani, and Tony Dalton, plus licensed music, all point to a massive production budget.
What We Know About the Game So Far
Set thousands of years in the future, Intergalactic puts players in the role of Jordan A. Mun, a dangerous bounty hunter who becomes stranded on Sempiria. This distant planet went dark hundreds of years ago, losing all communication with the outside universe. Jordan must use her skills and wits to become the first person in over 600 years to leave the planet’s orbit.
Druckmann has described the game as “the most expansive” project Naughty Dog has ever undertaken. In a September interview with Variety, he revealed the team was “in the thick of it” and that at least some portions of the game were playable. However, he also acknowledged they “still have a ways to go” with development.
PlayStation’s Crowded Release Schedule
Even if Intergalactic were ready for 2026, Sony might have strategic reasons to delay it. Ghost of Yotei and Insomniac’s Wolverine are already positioned for upcoming releases. Adding another massive first-party exclusive to an already packed lineup could cannibalize sales, especially with Grand Theft Auto 6 expected to dominate 2025.
A 2027 release would give Intergalactic breathing room and allow Naughty Dog to polish the game to their famously high standards. The studio has never been one to rush releases, and fans have learned to trust their process, even if it means waiting longer than expected.
The Cost of Modern Game Development
Intergalactic’s extended development timeline reflects a broader industry trend. Naughty Dog co-founder Andy Gavin recently explained that modern AAA games can easily cost between $300 million and $500 million to develop. This represents a staggering increase from earlier eras, with development costs for major titles often exceeding Hollywood blockbuster budgets.
These ballooning budgets mean games need to sell millions of copies just to break even. A game with a $300 million budget would need to sell approximately 4.3 million copies at $70 each just to cover development costs, not including marketing expenses. This financial pressure explains why studios like Naughty Dog take extra time to ensure their games meet quality standards that justify premium pricing.
What This Means for Fans
While the news is disappointing for those hoping to play Intergalactic sooner, it’s worth remembering that Naughty Dog has built its reputation on delivering exceptional experiences. The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part 2, and the Uncharted series all benefited from the studio’s willingness to take the time needed to get things right.
The good news is that the game is clearly making progress. Druckmann’s comments about playing the game and hiring localization staff indicate development is moving forward, just not at the breakneck pace some fans hoped for. A 2027 release would put the game about five years after its likely development start, which aligns with modern AAA development cycles.
FAQs
When will Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet be released?
According to industry insiders like Jason Schreier, 2027 is the earliest realistic release window. The game will not launch in 2026 despite earlier speculation.
Will Intergalactic appear at The Game Awards 2025?
No. Jeff Grubb confirmed that Intergalactic will not be shown at The Game Awards 2025, contrary to Colin Moriarty’s speculation.
Is Intergalactic content complete?
No. While Colin Moriarty speculated the game was content complete, this has not been confirmed by Naughty Dog or reliable industry sources. Neil Druckmann stated in March 2025 that the team “still have a ways to go” with development.
How much is Intergalactic costing to make?
Neil Druckmann has suggested Intergalactic could become Naughty Dog’s most expensive game ever, potentially exceeding The Last of Us Part 2’s $220 million budget. The exact figure hasn’t been disclosed, but it could reach $300 million or more.
What is Intergalactic about?
Set thousands of years in the future, players control Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on Sempiria, a planet that lost contact with the outside universe 600 years ago. The game focuses on her attempt to become the first person to escape the planet in over six centuries.
Who is developing Intergalactic?
Naughty Dog is developing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, with Neil Druckmann serving as co-director. The game features voice acting from Tati Gabrielle, Kumail Nanjiani, Tony Dalton, and The Last of Us veterans Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson.
What platforms will Intergalactic be available on?
Intergalactic is confirmed as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, following Sony’s tradition of keeping major Naughty Dog titles exclusive to PlayStation platforms.
Conclusion
The speculation around Intergalactic’s release date serves as a reminder to take casual podcast discussions with a grain of salt, even when they come from industry figures. While the wait for Naughty Dog’s ambitious new IP continues, the 2027 timeline gives the studio the space it needs to deliver another landmark gaming experience. For now, fans will need to be patient and trust that when Intergalactic finally arrives, it will be worth the wait.