While the much-loved action-adventure third-person shooter franchise "Uncharted" could continue in some way, shape or form, the story of its fan-favorite protagonist Nathan Drake will be over and done in the upcoming title "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End."
Game co-director Neil Druckmann emphasized that the installment was created in a way that there won't be an effective workaround that allows them to produce another game with the fortune-hunter in it. He also believes that ending his tale equates to honoring the character.
"With the end of [Uncharted 4's] story, it will be really hard to do a sequel with Nathan Drake," Druckmann told The Sun. "Maybe there'll be a prequel, maybe it will be a different character, I don't know. But this is the end for Nathan Drake," he declared.
What remains unclear at the moment is how Nathan Drake's send-off will be carried out in "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End." Druckmann did not detail if Naughty Dog's most renowned video game hero will simply be hanging his pistol for good.
Druckmann is heartbroken about retiring the iconic treasure hunter in "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End" but the sacrifice is believed to work its wonders for the fans, Sony and Naughty Dog in the long run. "We've been with this character for so long," he said.
"He's at the height of his popularity, so it's not a good business decision. But I feel like the best way to honor him is to go out on top, to finish his story," the creative director explained.
As for the future of the game beyond "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End" and sans Nathan Drake, Druckmann admitted he has no idea. Either way, the fact that Sony owns the rights to the franchise simply entitles them to decide where they will take the game series.
"Uncharted 4: A Thief's End" reunites Nathan with his brother Sam, who was presumed dead for 15 years, for one final adventure. Nathan Drake's saga officially concludes as the game hits the shelves April 26 this year.
