- The original pitch for Uncharted was made over 15 years ago, showcasing the creative vision of Neil Druckmann and Amy Hennig, the game’s first writers.
- The pitch documents reveal a game that was heavily influenced by Indiana Jones and National Treasure, with an emphasis on action-adventure elements.
- The documents also show that the team considered Uncharted as a potential spin-off to the Jak and Daxter series.
Uncharted was the game that would go on to change the landscape of action-adventure gaming, but it’s hard to imagine the world without its charismatic protagonist, Nathan Drake, and the incredible story that drove players to experience the games as we know them today. What many didn’t know however, is the original pitch for Uncharted, and what made the game tick – a revelation made possible by The Verge’s dive into these long-lost documents.
What Was the Original Pitch for Uncharted?
In 2007, Amy Hennig and Neil Druckmann, the game’s first writers, pitched Uncharted to Sony, outlining the core concepts that would define the series. The pitch, as it turns out, was heavily influenced by classic adventure series such as Indiana Jones and National Treasure, with a strong emphasis on action and exploration. According to The Verge, the original pitch document highlighted the game’s focus on “high-stakes, high-reward exploration” in addition to an in-depth storyline and “emotional connections between the characters.”
The original pitch for Uncharted would go on to influence the direction of the game, but it wasn’t the only interesting aspect – the documents also reveal that the team considered Uncharted to be a potential spin-off to the Jak and Daxter series, an idea that was ultimately shot down.
Uncharted vs. Indiana Jones and National Treasure – What Did the Game Borrow?
Uncharted’s original pitch was heavily influenced by classic adventure series like Indiana Jones and National Treasure. These franchises known for their emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and high-stakes action were all major inspirations for the game. The pitch documents show just how much these influences affected the game’s core concepts:
* Indiana Jones was cited as one of the primary influences for Uncharted’s “adventure” aspect. Indiana Jones’s exploration-heavy gameplay was something that the Uncharted team wanted to bring to their game.
* National Treasure’s influence on Uncharted’s action-adventure elements, as well as its treasure-hunting plotline, were also notable.
Interestingly enough, Uncharted ultimately went on to outdo its influences in many ways, and its own take on the action-adventure genre became a defining characteristic of the series.
Key Takeaways: A Comprehensive Comparison
| **Category** | **Uncharted** | **Indiana Jones** | **National Treasure** |
| — | — | — | — |
| Release Date | November 2007 | 1981 | 2004 |
| Developer | Naughty Dog | – | – |
| Platforms | PS3 | Film Franchise | Film Franchise |
| Gameplay Focus | Action-Adventure, Exploration | Exploration | Treasure Hunting |
| Influence | Indiana Jones, National Treasure | Uncharted | Uncharted |
According to these statistics and the original pitch documents, Uncharted’s developers drew clear inspiration from both Indiana Jones and National Treasure, but what made the Uncharted game unique was still largely unclear.
Who Was Behind the Original Pitch for Uncharted?
According to The Verge, the original pitch was made by Neil Druckmann, the current creative director of Naughty Dog and Amy Hennig, the game’s first writer. The pitch was created in 2007, around the time the team first began working on the game. Druckmann has spoken publicly about the influence of Indiana Jones, saying that it “definitely” influenced the game’s direction.
Data Comparison: Uncharted vs. Jak and Daxter
| **Category** | **Uncharted** | **Jak and Daxter** |
| — | — | — |
| Release Date | November 2007 | 2001 |
| Developer | Naughty Dog | Naughty Dog |
| Platforms | PS3 | PS2, GameCube |
| Gameplay Focus | Action-Adventure, Exploration | Platform, Action-Adventure |
When considering the original pitch for Uncharted, it’s fascinating to look at the original pitch as a potential spin-off to the Jak and Daxter series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the original pitch for Uncharted?
A: The original pitch for Uncharted was made in 2007 by Amy Hennig and Neil Druckmann and was heavily influenced by Indiana Jones and National Treasure.
Q: What was the primary focus of the initial Uncharted pitch?
A: The primary focus was on exploration and action-adventure elements, which would go on to influence the rest of the game.
Q: Did the team consider Uncharted as a spin-off to the Jak and Daxter series?
A: Yes, but ultimately the idea was shot down.
