Neil Druckmann, head of Naughty Dog, will present former partner Evan Wells with a Hall of Fame Award at DICE 2026 in Las Vegas. The event, scheduled for February 12, 2026, honors Wells' significant contributions to the gaming industry, particularly through his leadership in developing iconic franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter. While the studio prepares for the upcoming release of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Druckmann reflects positively on Wells' impact at Naughty Dog, which is known for producing celebrated titles such as Uncharted and The Last of Us. Meanwhile, other Naughty Dog alumni like Bruce Straley are pursuing new ventures, indicating a dynamic shift within the studio.

What is the significance of Evan Wells’ Hall of Fame Award at DICE 2026?

The award recognizes Wells' longstanding influence and achievements in the gaming industry, highlighting his role in shaping Naughty Dog into a leading studio known for its innovative and storytelling-driven titles.

Naughty Dog, the studio behind the critically acclaimed franchises such as Uncharted and The Last of Us, has been a pioneer in the action-adventure genre. As they look towards the future with upcoming projects like Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the studio continues to balance its cinematic storytelling roots with new directions and talents emerging from its ranks. The recognition of Evan Wells at DICE 2026 further solidifies Naughty Dog's legacy in gaming history.