The Last of Us writer and director to lead Uncharted 4

The writer and director of The Last of Us are to lead development of the new Uncharted game.

In a special interview with Game Informer, Naughty Dog co-presidents Evan Wells and Christophe Balestra revealed that Neil Druckmann, writer, and Bruce Straley, director, are the new heads of Naughty Dog’s upcoming fourth installment in the action-adventure series.

The duo will be taking over from the previous writer and director of the series who left the studio earlier this year.

Back in March, Amy Hennig, writer of the Uncharted series, left the studio after 10 years employed. At the time it was reported by sources that she was “forced out” of the company by both Druckmann and Straley.

Naughty Dog later firmly denied these reports, saying there is nothing more to be said.

Just a few weeks later, Justin Richmond, who served as the Game Director for Uncharted 3 and oversaw the Uncharted 2 multiplayer, also departed.

“We’ve asked [Druckmann and Straley] to lead the project,” said Wells. “They are excited as veterans of the Uncharted franchise to take the responsibility and they’re doing great.”

Balestra noted that because of the new leadership there would be some changes but only “a little bit”.

Todd Strashwick, an actor/writer who voiced an unidentified character for the first teaser trailer, revealed back in April that he was no longer involved in the project.

“They chose to recast my role,” he said.