While Naughty Dog is open to the possibility of "Uncharted 5," the franchise will have to continue with a new lead, story, and characters.
According to rumors, the success of the latest franchise installment, "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End," is significant as it may be a hint that the series will continue. However, "Uncharted 4" is essentially the last adventure for Nathan Drake, the main protagonist of the franchise. This means that should "Uncharted 5" be released, it will mean a new set of characters, story, and a new lead for the next installment.
This is highly possible though it will not be the first franchise to do so. Some long-running series have already had a "changing of the guard," as new characters have taken over the latest releases. "Gears of War 4" is revealed to showcase Marcus Fenix's son, while another much-anticipated title, "Mass Effect: Andromeda," involves new characters without Commander Shepard.
However, this doesn't mean that Nathan Drake will be dropped off from the series completely, since the new story will likely be related to the first "Uncharted" games. Voice actor Nolan North agrees that Nathan Drake is an essential part of the franchise. When asked about returning for another run, North said, "I'm not happy that 'Uncharted's' ended, but if they said 'Hey, we want to do "Uncharted 5." Do you want to do Nathan Drake or should we ask somebody else?' I'd be like 'No, no!'"
Meanwhile, not only the story and characters will change with a new installment, but "Uncharted 5" is likely to be handled by a new studio should it be in the works. Earlier this year, Neil Druckmann told Games Radar that should "Uncharted 5" happen, it will more likely be worked on by a new crop of game designers. However, Druckmann added that while Naughty Dog is willing to come out with a new batch of fresh ideas for the new game, it is important that "Uncharted 5" capture the same core and essence that made the series a popular and long-running one.
