No, a Naughty Dog artist didn’t let an unexpected fantasy game escape

Earlier this week, fans noticed that a Naughty Dog artist posted a medieval fantasy-themed artwork that was apparently ‘inspired by a new game’, leading to speculation that Naughty Dog may be working on an unannounced project on that genre. The artist has now confirmed to IGN that this is not the case, and that the art was inspired by Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Hyoung Nam, a senior conceptual artist at Naughty Dog, posted three pieces of art under the title “The Women of North” in November, consisting of a knight sitting next to a dead dragon, a figure similar to a shaman in a cap. skull and staff, and a figure with green eyes wearing clothes made of animal skin and bones.

The pieces were posted with the original caption: “Get inspired by the new game. You know what I’m talking about …” After circulating this week, some fans and media outlets speculated that the “new game” could be a project Naughty Dog unannounced. However, speaking to IGN, Nam explained, “The illustration is not for the next new ND game”, and added that this was an inspired fan art made while the artist was playing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (released last November).

Have you played The Last of Us Part II?

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Nam has now updated the caption to make the connection to Valhalla clear. While some are likely to be sad – after all, a medieval shamanic and naughty dragon slayer fantasy game actually looks incredible – let’s focus on the fact that Nam’s fan art was so cool that it briefly made people imagine a game entirely new. This looks like an artistic achievement in itself. It’s worth checking out Nam’s broader portfolio on Artstation, too – particularly if you’re interested at first, take on the many characters from The Last of Us Part 2.

As for Naughty Dog actually has for us to follow, it is difficult to say. We know that there is no DLC planned for The Last of Us Part 2, but that there may still be a standalone multiplayer mode in the Factions style of the first game. Whatever it is, Naughty Dog stepped up hiring, with studio co-president Neil Druckmann saying, “Come and work with us! We are doing something very cool!”

There is also the small problem with HBO’s Last of Us TV show, which now has a serial order and a new director.

Joe Skrebels is the Executive News Editor at IGN. Follow him on Twitter. Do you have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Send an email to [email protected].