Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
TheUnchartedseries is one of gaming’s most iconic franchises, and Amy Hennig has been at the helm of this success. For a franchise that would become similar to Tomb Raider at the time, the decision to make Nathan Drake the protagonist wasn’t random. It was a choice shaped by the industry’s dynamics and cultural influences.
As the creative mind behind the iconic game, Hennig explained why the lead character couldn’t be female. And it’s not what many might assume. The decision had nothing to do with avoiding controversy or being “anti-woke.” It was simply to not be a “Dude Raider.”
Amy Hennig Was Always Thinking 2 Steps Ahead
DuringUncharted‘s development, comparisons toTomb Raiderwere inevitable. Hennig and her team wanted to carve out their unique space in the adventure genre, avoiding the perception of simply replicating Lara Croft’s legacy and success. Speaking toGames Beatin an interview, she said,
No. It was nothing we could even consider, because Tomb Raider was a thing. So we deliberately chose to have a guy, not a woman, because it would feel like we were invading that territory.
Instead of competing directly,Unchartedredefined the genre with a more relatable hero to blend the charm of Indiana Jones with a touch of vulnerability.
She was this aspirational, acrobatic, James Bond character, so we made ours a little hapless, a little clumsy, more like Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones. Right at the limit of his ability a lot of the time. On his heels.
This choice also reflected the shifting portrayal of masculinity in media. Nathan Drake stood apart from hyper-masculine action heroes by being fallible and self-aware.
“It was her creation”: Unmade Uncharted Writer Didn’t Hold Back Against Neil Druckmann for ‘Stealing’ Amy Hennig’s Idea in Explosive Claim
WhileTomb Raider’s Lara Croft embodied an aspirational, almost superhuman figure, Drake was designed to be someone who often stumbled his way through predicaments.
His simplistic qualities, combined withAmy Hennig’s meticulous storytelling, made him both endearing and memorable. His casual demeanor and reluctant heroism were key to makingUnchartedstand out in a saturated market full of competitors.
In a Way, Nathan Drake Became Her Answer To Lara Croft
Hennig’s creative journey was shaped by her past experiences. Before joining Naughty Dog, she worked at Crystal Dynamics, where she aspired to create an adventure series with a strong female protagonist.
In many ways,Unchartedwas her answer to being denied the chance to work onTomb Raider, creating a dialogue between the two franchises. Despite the success ofUncharted, Hennig acknowledged the challenges of leaving the series behindafter her departure from Naughty Dog.
When you live with these characters… They feel like children or something. It’s very hard… it’s like if you split up with your spouse and they have the kids. You wish them well… It was hard for a while, because there was something distant about it for me.
Hennig’s legacy extends beyond Nathan Drake or evenUncharted. Her work laid the foundation for deeper, more cinematic experiences in games. And because of her, we know today that complex characters and rich stories can coexist with blockbuster action.
Amy Hennig: ‘How about a C cup?’ on Making a Crucial Change to Uncharted That Stood Up Against the Likes of Tomb Raider
Had Hennig’s original ambition to work onTomb Raidersucceeded, the gaming industry might never have experiencedUncharted. Just think of how crazy that sounds.
Hennig’s work underscores the importance of thoughtful storytelling and character development in gaming, regardless of gender.
Today, she is working on the upcomingMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydraset to release in 2025. She is also working on an undisclosedStar Warsproject.
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. you may also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
