Both Neil Druckmann, the writer and director at Naughty Dog, and Hideo Kojima, the legendary visionary, have contributed significantly to the gaming industry. While Druckmann expressed the difficulty of making massive triple-A games, which took a toll on his life, Kojima has plotted various projects with different publishers and film companies to develop new games and a live-action movie in his quest to elevate cinema and break the boundaries between film and gaming, as Druckmann is waiting for his endgame.
Neil is a talented gameplay programmer who worked on Naughty Dog projects including Jak 3 and Jak X. He contributed to the story development of Uncharted games and directed The Last of Us, Uncharted 4, and The Last of Us Part II. Hideo Kojima is a video game auteur known for his complex stories and large-scale projects. Despite his success, the ambitious director doesn’t know the meaning of the word stop.
Hideo Kojima Found His Mojo While Neil Druckmann Is Losing His
The director took time to join Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, also known as the famous rapper Logic, on his podcast and shared stories and details of how he got into the industry and drew comparisons between the two lives of these creatives.
In Grounded II, Logic shared how he was cast as a Rattler in The Last of Us Part II. Neil intended to make the sequel on a grand scale that would exceed fans’ expectations. The project started right after the first game, but it was put on hold due to Neil’s work on Uncharted 4.
Kojima and Druckmann tell stories that evoke emotions in their audiences. Death Stranding, Kojima’s latest masterpiece, is getting a sequel and a film adaptation. Druckmann had the same opportunity with The Last of Us on HBO. Both directors have used these opportunities to showcase their skills in different contexts.
Druckmann Is Open To Transition To Other Media To Escape The Stress And Pressure, Kojima Is Doing The Opposite
Working on a project for years can affect one’s personal life. High-profile games showcase talent, but if they don’t meet fan expectations, the backlash can be harsh. Leaks harmed The Last of Us team, putting Druckmann in a difficult position as fans await his next project.
Kojima is currently relishing in the creative freedom he has been granted in making his games. On the other hand, Druckmann seems to be struggling with the weight of the expectations placed on him. Despite their age and experience disparities, the two individuals are on different paths. Life is always about growth, while Neil is growing to become a better father and make up for lost time with his family by potentially shifting to a less stressful job, Hideo is fulfilling his dream of growing as a creator. Whatever life leads them, it will be another adventure like the games before them.
How do you feel about Neil Druckmann potentially making The Last of Us Part III his final game? Share your thoughts below!
