Former Uncharted Dev On Possible New Remake Or Remaster: “What’s The Point?”
Benson Russell, a designer on the original Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune at Naughty Dog, has expressed skepticism about remaking or remastering the 2007 PlayStation 3 classic. While acknowledging that remakes and remasters are popular in the gaming industry, Russell questioned the necessity of revisiting the first Uncharted game, arguing that it remains “in the zeitgeist” and is already available on modern platforms.
Russell’s primary concern is that a remake or remaster of Drake’s Fortune would feel like a “cash grab” rather than something genuinely necessary to bring the game to contemporary standards. He suggested that a new entry would be a better use of developer resources, advocating that Naughty Dog should “take the lessons of Uncharted 4 and make a new game” instead—a suggestion that aligns with long-standing fan requests for fresh franchise entries.
Russell’s comments emerge amid rumors that circulated over the past two years suggesting Naughty Dog was considering a Drake’s Fortune remake. Ultimately, the studio opted to develop The Last of Us Part I remake for PlayStation 5 instead. Russell’s perspective contributes to broader industry discussions about whether remakes represent necessary modernization efforts or missed opportunities to develop innovative new titles.