Is PlayStation Hinting At An Uncharted Reboot?

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Moiz Banoori

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For fans of the Uncharted series, recent developments suggest that PlayStation might be teasing the return of this franchise. The series is known for its cinematic storytelling and Nathan Drake’s thrilling adventures. However, the series has remained dormant since Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End was released in 2016.

However, a few recent hints, including a new Astro Bot game and a PS5 ad, have sparked speculation that a reboot might be coming. Let’s break down the clues.

The Astro Bot Connection

One of the most exciting hints came from Astro’s Playroom, a creative platformer from Team Asobi that comes pre-installed on the PlayStation 5. Astro’s Playroom is packed with nostalgic cameos from PlayStation’s most iconic franchises, including Ape Escape, God of War, Horizon, LocoRoco, and Uncharted.

In fact, Uncharted isn’t just featured as a small cameo. It has an entire level dedicated to Nathan Drake’s adventures, allowing players to relive the treasure-hunting thrill of the series.

For a game to prominently feature Uncharted in this way, especially since the franchise has been on hiatus for several years, feels significant. It’s almost as if Sony is subtly reminding players of the importance of Uncharted within its legacy.

While Uncharted is one of PlayStation’s biggest franchises, it hasn’t had a new mainline entry since 2016, and Nathan Drake hasn’t been the face of PlayStation as he once was. The series remains a fan favorite, and even though Uncharted has been dormant, it’s hard to ignore how much love there is for the franchise.

The PS5 Ad Tease

Another major clue surfaced in PlayStation’s recent “Live From PS5” ad, which presented live-action sequences from several key franchises. A brief moment had Uncharted fans buzzing among scenes from Spider-Man, God of War, and Horizon.

The scene shows a young girl holding a torch approaching a shiny treasure on a pedestal in a dark cave. Fans quickly speculated that this could be Cassie Drake, Nathan Drake’s daughter, introduced at the end of Uncharted 4.

PlayStation is reportedly working on a new Uncharted game, and Cassie Drake will likely be the protagonist. Nathan Drake’s story was neatly wrapped up in Uncharted 4. However, the game’s epilogue introduced us to his daughter Cassie. This hints that she might one day follow in her father’s footsteps.

While Sony hasn’t confirmed anything, this clip immediately fueled speculation. A new Uncharted game, possibly starring Cassie Drake, could be in the works. It wouldn’t be the first time Sony has teased an upcoming release in such a subtle manner.

In 2021, PlayStation featured a symbol from Resident Evil 4 in one of its ads months before officially announcing the remake. This could be a similar tactic for teasing a new Uncharted instalment.

Can The Series Succeed Without Naughty Dog?

A potential Uncharted reboot raises the question of who would develop it, as Naughty Dog has expressed they are “done” with Nathan Drake’s story. The Naughty Dog’s co-president, Neil Druckmann, mentioned they are open to another studio continuing the series, provided it stays true to its core.

If a reboot does happen, it might be developed by another studio. One candidate is Bend Studio, known for Uncharted: Golden Abyss on the PlayStation Vita. Bend Studio has experience with the franchise, making it a natural fit to take over the reins.

Uncharted isn’t just about thrilling action sequences or puzzle-solving. The challenge, of course, is ensuring that the new game captures what made the original series so special.

What’s Next For Uncharted?

Maybe I’m reading too much into this. Maybe Sony thought a girl with a torch in a cave looked cool, and there’s no Uncharted reboot coming. But honestly? I don’t think that’s the case. While nothing is confirmed yet, the signs are there. 

As a longtime fan of the series, I can’t help but feel like we’re on the cusp of something big. Whether it’s a reboot featuring Cassie Drake or a spin-off, the clues are adding up.

Well, I’m happy because the prospect of returning to the Uncharted universe is just too exciting to ignore. I hope we get some answers soon. If Sony is listening, consider this my formal plea for more Uncharted.

Moiz Banoori

Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.