Naughty Dog’s New Game Slams Christianity: Earthworm Jim Creator Speaks Out

The upcoming sci-fi game from Naughty Dog, titled “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet“, has garnered attention for its apparent intentional emphasis on religion, specifically a critical depiction that aligns with Naughty Dog’s broader creative direction under Neil Druckmann. Although Intergalactic is billed as an in-depth examination of faith and belief structures, initial information suggests it leans more towards pointed criticism rather than thoughtful dialogue, with Christianity seemingly the main target of this critique.

A Fictional Religion Rooted in Familiar Criticism

Stepping into a world two millennia ahead, yet deviating from our timeline at the tail end of the 1980s, I find myself immersed in the universe of “Intergalactic.” Here, a profound and influential religion, shaped over countless generations, has taken root.

Neil Druckmann has highlighted the considerable effort put into creating this fictional belief system, explaining how it has evolved and been twisted or distorted over time. This narrative is reminiscent of a frequent depiction in media where Christianity is often misrepresented as outdated, hypocritical, or oppressive. The game’s timeline deviating in the 1980s, a period associated with a rise in Christian conservatism in America, seems to imply that this religion’s portrayal may serve as a subtle critique of contemporary Christian faith.

Based on leaked information, the main character, who is a bounty hunter, ends up being marooned on a planet where a particular religion has thrived. The story’s central enigma revolves around what transpired with its adherents. It appears that a significant part of the game’s narrative seems to involve critiquing and dismantling their religious beliefs. Druckmann has openly admitted that he aimed to create a game centered around faith and religion, which raises questions due to his history of narratives that challenge traditional values instead of interacting with them in a thoughtful manner.

A Pattern of Disrespect Toward Faith

Naughty Dog isn’t unfamiliar with stirring up debates as they tackle sensitive subjects in their creations. The release of The Last of Us Part 2 sparked a divide among audiences due to its intense narrative style, and it appears that Druckmann hasn’t shaken off the criticism. Rather than focusing on strong gameplay mechanics and captivating storylines, Intergalactic seems set to follow in the footsteps of ideology-focused narratives by taking aim at Christianity.

This progression symbolizes a wider movement across the gaming sector. As businesses enlarge and their organizational frameworks become more complex, their creative vision tends to deviate from the fundamental ideals that initially set them apart and contributed to their success.

I had personal relationships with the founders of Naughty Dog and Insomniac from the beginning, and they were genuine gamers rather than secularist pseudo-philosophers who often made subtle, snide remarks against Christianity in a passive-aggressive manner.

As administrators and human resources grow in companies, they all merge to the left.…

— Doug TenNapel (blue check implied) (@DougTenNapel) March 12, 2025

This occurrence was succinctly explained by Doug TenNapel, a self-proclaimed Christian and the inventor of Earthworm Jim. (Informal: This thing was well put by Doug TenNapel, who is a Christian and made up Earthworm Jim.)

As a long-time admirer and contemporary of Naughty Dog and Insomniac, I’ve always appreciated their gaming prowess rather than their philosophical leanings. In response to the recent Intergalactic drama, I find it disconcerting when creative minds seem to take subtle, indirect jabs at Christianity.

Over time, as companies expand and evolve, they tend to shift leftward, a trend that is not exclusive to game development studios but extends to American universities and hospitals as well. Many of these institutions were founded by conservative Christians, yet they no longer maintain the same level of quality as they once did. It’s not that conservatives of faith should establish a separate market; rather, we need to cultivate a thriving one where games are evaluated based on their gameplay merits, not the philosophical beliefs of their creators or the added cinematics that serve as an afterthought.

As a discerning film critic, I’ve noticed a striking transformation in studios such as Naughty Dog, once renowned for their groundbreaking gameplay mechanics and captivating storytelling. Nowadays, it appears that the studio is leaning more towards leveraging its platform to advocate for certain ideologies, rather than purely focusing on artistic excellence and innovative gameplay.

In simpler terms, “Intergalactic” represents the ongoing trend, as it primarily emphasizes religious beliefs that could potentially drive away a considerable number of viewers.

Why Christianity is Always the Target

One point often brought up by critics of the show Intergalactic, is why Christianity seems to be under constant examination in media, while other religions seem to go unexamined. After all, there are numerous faiths worldwide with their own rich histories and moral complexities. However, it’s striking how often Hollywood and the gaming industry direct their critique towards Christianity specifically. This repeated focus on one religion over others stirs valid questions about potential bias and deliberate cultural messaging.

Is there a question circulating among gamers: Could Naughty Dog develop a game that critiques Buddhism, Islam, or Hinduism in the same manner? The likelihood is very low. Christianity is often chosen as a target because of its deep roots in Western society, making it a convenient topic for those who aim to question traditional values without encountering substantial resistance.

The Future of Gaming: A Crossroads for Developers and Consumers

With an increasing number of developers embracing philosophy-centric narratives in gaming, the industry finds itself at a juncture. Players are becoming weary of stories that overemphasize messaging to the detriment of enjoyment. The primary goal of games should be to captivate and amuse, rather than serve as vehicles for ideological sermons. Previously recognized for its exceptional work in gaming, Naughty Dog seems to prioritize making statements against Christianity with their latest release, Intergalactic, over creating outstanding games.

It’s up to both players and creators to tackle the issue at hand. Following TenNapel’s perspective, the key isn’t merely developing new marketplaces, but rather making sure that the focus is on delivering excellent gaming experiences, rather than allowing ideological viewpoints to dominate.

As we draw closer to the launch of “Intergalactic”, speculation surrounds whether its themes will be openly expressed. However, considering Naughty Dog’s past work, it’s likely that religious faith, specifically Christianity, will be scrutinized in a way that seems to advance an agenda rather than for the sake of genuine storytelling with “Intergalactic”.

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2025-03-13 20:56