Neil Druckmann, co-creator of The Last of Us video game and co-showrunner on the HBO adaptation, will be stepping away from the television series moving forward. In a statement, Druckmann — who is also studio head at The Last of Us developer Naughty Dog — said the decision was made to focus on the studio’s upcoming games.
“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.
Druckmann co-led the HBO series for its first two seasons alongside Craig Mazin, best-known as the creator of another HBO series, Chernobyl. Druckmann’s work on the show is likely one of the main reasons it has hewed so closely to the source material. Before that, he was heavily involved in most of Naughty Dog’s major releases, including not only The Last of Us and its sequel, but also serving as creative director on Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
The studio’s next release, Intergalactic, is a sci-fi bounty hunting game, which was revealed at The Game Awards in December. The Last of Us on HBO was renewed for a third season earlier this year, and wrapped up season 2 in May.