Neil Druckmann officially steps back from The Last of Us show to focus on new game

Neil Druckmann, the co-creator of the hit PlayStation video game The Last of Us, has said he is officially stepping back from the HBO TV show.

The news was confirmed on the Naughty Dog X account, where a message was posted stating that Druckmann informed the team that now is the perfect time for him to step back from the HBO series, as work has been completed on season 2 of the show, and no meaningful work has begun on season 3. Druckmann wrote in the message he is stepping back to put his full focus on writing and directing Naughty Dog's next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and resuming his responsibilities as Studio Head and Head of Creative.

"With work completed on season 2 and before any meaningful work starts on season 3, now is the time to transition my complete focus to Naughty Dog and its future projects, including writing and directing our exciting next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, along with my responsibilities as studio head and head of creative," Druckmann wrote.

"Co-creating the show has been a career highlight. It's been an honor to work alongside Craig Mazin to executive produce, direct and write on the last two seasons. I'm deeply thankful for the thoughtful approach and dedication the talented cast and crew took to adapting The Last of US Part 1 and the continued adaptation of The Last of Us Part II," wrote Druckmann

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet was unveiled at The Game Awards in December last year, and currently doesn't have a release date.