Naughty Dog, LLC, founded in 1984 by Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin, is an American video game developer based in Santa Monica, California. Initially operating as an independent studio, it gained prominence with the release of the Crash Bandicoot series in the mid-1990s. In 2001, Sony Computer Entertainment acquired Naughty Dog, integrating it as a first-party studio within PlayStation Studios. Over the years, Naughty Dog has developed several iconic franchises, including Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us, each receiving critical acclaim for their storytelling and gameplay. The studio is known for its collaborative development approach, eschewing traditional producers to foster a team-centric environment. As of December 2025, Naughty Dog is working on ‘Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,’ a sci-fi action-adventure game that signifies a new creative direction for the studio.
Naughty Dog is renowned for creating critically acclaimed franchises such as Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, Uncharted, and The Last of Us.
The studio emphasizes story-driven, character-based games, delivering emotionally resonant narratives.
Naughty Dog operates as a flagship first-party studio within PlayStation Studios, contributing significantly to Sony's gaming portfolio.
The studio is known for its unique development philosophy, operating without traditional producers and relying on a collaborative team approach.
Naughty Dog's upcoming title, 'Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,' marks a new sci-fi direction for the studio, showcasing its commitment to innovation.
