Earlier this week, at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas, Neil Druckmann, the head of Naughty Dog, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Cory Barlog, head of Sony Santa Monica. The focus of their conversation? The often-overlooked theme of doubt in the creative process.
Exploring the Depths of Doubt
During their hour-long talk, Druckmann and Barlog delved into personal topics, sharing their inner struggles as creators. They discussed how to gauge whether a creative idea resonates and the doubts that often accompany the storytelling process. One intriguing question from the audience addressed how teams approach character development over multiple games. Druckmann’s response, however, was unexpected for someone with a history of creating sequels.
The Single Game Focus
Druckmann emphasized that he does not plan for sequels while developing a game. He stated, “The game in front of us is so all-consuming.” According to him, thinking about a potential sequel while working on the first game can lead to a sense of jinxing oneself. Reflecting on his experience while creating “The Last of Us Part II,” he noted that while ideas for future installments occasionally crossed his mind, his primary focus remained on delivering the best experience for the current game. “If there’s a cool idea, I’m doing my best to get it into here,” he remarked.
Understanding Character Arcs
When it comes to sequels, Druckmann prefers to look back at the characters’ journeys and determine if there are unresolved elements that warrant further exploration. He humorously added, “If I feel like the answer is, they can’t go anywhere, then I go, ‘I think we’ll just kill them off.’” This philosophy was evident in the Uncharted series, where each sequel evolved organically rather than being a product of long-term planning. “When we made Uncharted 1, we had no idea we would do the train sequence of Uncharted 2,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of discovery in the creative process.
Diverging Creative Approaches
Barlog, on the other hand, shared a contrasting viewpoint. He described his method as akin to a “Charlie Day crazy conspiracy board,” where he connects various narrative threads and ideas over years. While he finds joy in these connections, he also acknowledged the stress that comes with trying to weave multiple elements together amidst changing teams and perspectives. “It’s just so magical, but it is absolutely, unequivocally the most unhealthy thing ever,” he confessed.
The Confidence to Create
Druckmann later reflected on the confidence required to plan long-term projects. He admitted, “That requires a level of confidence I don’t have,” highlighting his preference for focusing on immediate challenges rather than projecting ten years into the future.
The Passion Behind the Craft
Throughout their discussion, both creators touched upon their love for the medium of video games. Druckmann shared a memorable moment with actor Pedro Pascal, emphasizing that art is “the reason to wake up in the morning.” Despite the pressures of their work, the passion for storytelling remains a driving force. He candidly addressed the stress that comes with the job, recalling times of panic but reaffirming that the love of creating games outweighs the negatives.
Contemplating the Future
As the conversation progressed, Druckmann posed a reflective question to Barlog about the nature of success and fulfillment in their careers. Barlog’s answer was poignant: “Is it ever enough? The short answer’s, no, it’s never enough.” He spoke of the continuous struggle and the relentless pursuit of greatness that often overshadows moments of success. Druckmann echoed this sentiment, sharing his thoughts about creating opportunities for the next generation of developers when he eventually steps back from the industry.
A Shared Journey
Their dialogue concluded with Barlog jokingly suggesting retirement, but beneath the humor lay a deep understanding of the challenges faced by creators in the gaming industry. Both Druckmann and Barlog exemplified the passion, doubt, and relentless drive that fuel their work, leaving the audience with a profound insight into the creative process behind some of gaming’s most beloved stories.
