After a quiet period for Naughty Dog’s latest IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Neil Druckmann is set to reconnect with his former partner, Evan Wells, at the DICE summit in Las Vegas. On February 12, 2026, Druckmann will present Wells with the prestigious Hall of Fame Award.
An industry veteran, Evan Wells is recognized for his significant contributions to beloved franchises such as Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter. He rose to the rank of co-president at Naughty Dog in 2004, playing a crucial role as the studio transitioned to cinematic storytelling in titles like Uncharted and The Last of Us before announcing his retirement in 2023.
“Naughty Dog was able to create some truly incredible games and leave a lasting mark on the industry because of Evan’s unwavering leadership and the trust he placed in all of us... I know I speak for many across the industry when I congratulate Evan on this well-deserved recognition. It’s a profound honor to present him with this Hall of Fame induction,” said Druckmann.
The Hall of Fame Award has previously honored industry giants, including Ken Kutaragi and Satoru Iwata. Meanwhile, Bruce Straley, co-director of The Last of Us, is embarking on new ventures with his studio, Wildflower Interactive. His move signals a potential shift in focus away from cinematic adventures, although Naughty Dog's direction seems stable.
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