Overview
Few studios have reinvented themselves as successfully as Naughty Dog. From 16-bit obscurity through PlayStation mascot platformers to cinematic narrative experiences, they’ve defined each PlayStation generation. Crash, Jak, Drake, Joel—each era brought new characters and new technical achievements.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1984 (as JAM Software).
- Location: Santa Monica, California.
- Owner: Sony (acquired 2001).
- Known for: Crash, Uncharted, Last of Us.
Era evolution
| Period | Franchise |
|---|
| PS1 | Crash Bandicoot |
| PS2 | Jak and Daxter |
| PS3/4 | Uncharted |
| PS3/4 | The Last of Us |
Crash Bandicoot era
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Crash Bandicoot | 1996 |
| Cortex Strikes Back | 1997 |
| Warped | 1998 |
| Crash Team Racing | 1999 |
Jak and Daxter era
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Jak and Daxter | 2001 |
| Jak II | 2003 |
| Jak 3 | 2004 |
Uncharted era
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Drake’s Fortune | 2007 |
| Among Thieves | 2009 |
| Drake’s Deception | 2011 |
| A Thief’s End | 2016 |
The Last of Us
| Title | Year | Achievement |
|---|
| The Last of Us | 2013 | Narrative pinnacle |
| Part II | 2020 | Technical/narrative |
Technical excellence
| Achievement | Game |
|---|
| PS1 pushing | Crash Bandicoot |
| Seamless loading | Jak and Daxter |
| Cinematic action | Uncharted 2 |
| Performance capture | Last of Us |
See also