Neil Druckmann’s Intergalactic takes a bold leap into space, but its use of Porsche branding has raised some eyebrows in the community.

When Naughty Dog announced its next project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, at The Game Awards, the community was not ready for it to take a bold leap into the expansive outer space. The game looks to offer a deep, character-driven story, with a focus on taking players into a mysterious universe through its female protagonist, Jordan A. Mun.

Players are not happy seeing sponsor branding in the game. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

While many players are excited about the new direction for Druckmann’s storytelling, the game is also facing some criticism, particularly due to its use of Porsche branding. However, some are beginning to speculate that this branding choice might not just be a product placement, but could be a narrative stroke of genius.

A sponsor that grounds Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

The branding has led to players making various assumptions. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

At first glance, a Porsche-branded rocket ship in a futuristic space setting may not seem like a good choice. But if players start to dig a little deeper, it starts to make sense. In Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, the main protagonist is a bounty hunter, who appears to be going on a mission to find her target on a dangerous planet.

To some, this sponsor might seem like an intrusive product placement that is ruining immersion. But for others, it seems like a deliberate narrative and aesthetic choice. Intergalactic is set in a far-flung, dystopian timeline, but the inclusion of Porsche is not as out-of-place as it may first appear.

In fact, Druckmann isn’t simply adding a sponsor to the game, he may be trying to make this fantastical space adventure grounded by adding something recognizable.

In a universe of high-tech spaceships and alien worlds, the Porsche rocket ship suggests a future or an alternate timeline where humanity’s current technologies have evolved significantly but remain recognizable.

The reaction to the Porsche branding is mixed. Some players were quick to question the logic behind the decision, while others offered a more nuanced perspective, arguing that the branding choice has its merits.

A shrewd move or an unnecessary distraction?

Players are looking forward to the game and how it plays out. | Image Credit: Naughty Dog

Neil Druckmann and the Naughty Dog team are no strangers to taking calculated risks in storytelling as seen in The Last of Us and Uncharted series. By including Porsche branding, they’re making a statement about various plausibility in their universe.

Sure, the argument about it being intrusive is fair as product placement in games can be heavy-handed, but it’s also worth considering other factors before passing judgment. This time, the integration of Porsche could serve the story or break immersion, depending on how it’s executed.

In Intergalactic, the choice to include product branding feels like a thoughtful intent rather than unjustified advertising. The game is shaping up to be an intriguing sci-fi action adventure that will challenge players’ perceptions in various scenarios.

In the end, while some players will continue to grumble about the brand placement and the main protagonist, maybe Druckmann is trying to connect reality to the dystopian world of the game.

Do you think this is just product placement, or does it carry a deeper meaning? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.