‘That industry was so entrenched’

When people look back on the Uncharted series for all that it accomplished, they tend to mention its storytelling and unforgettable characters, something that kept improving with each entry in the series.

But what if we told you that the story side of things might never have existed in the way it currently does had Amy Hennig, the lead writer for the first three games, simply pursued her career as she had planned?

Uncharted’s Lead Writer Didn’t Initially Wish to Be a Part of the Gaming Industry

The thing is, Amy’s first love wasn’t gaming but films. Growing up, she always dreamed of making movies and even enrolled in a film school to pursue this dream.

Unfortunately, reality hit Amy a little sooner and hard. As she expressed in an old interview, the film industry felt daunting, particularly for women like her, saying:

“I loved the idea of making Hollywood films, but it was so clear, even from that little bit of film school I had, that industry was so entrenched. It was hard for women, too. I could tell, just as a student, that it was going to be an uphill climb, especially for the job I wanted.”

It was during a freelance gig that she found her true calling. Working with Atari, her eyes were opened to the world of gaming and all its storytelling possibilities. It was a lightbulb moment, one that led her to leave film school and fully embrace game development.

Fast forward to when she joined Naughty Dog, and you can see her decision paying off in spades. It’s funny, when you think about it, how Uncharted somewhat allowed her to write a film-like experience, given how the game so closely resembles prestige media.

Not only that, but you can see Amy attain tremendous growth with each new entry in the series, becoming an even finer writer who fleshed out Nate, his friends, his enemies, and all the encompassing adventures.

By the time she wrapped up her work on Uncharted 3, she had helped shape a franchise that not only defined a generation of gaming but also laid the groundwork for future narrative-driven games.

Amy Hennig Deserves Way More Recognition for Her Contributions to the Gaming Industry

Despite her significant role in shaping Uncharted, Hennig often remains in the shadows of the spotlight. This is a brand-over-person situation, which results in Hennig’s individual contributions not receiving the recognition they deserve.

It’s a story within the industry that we’re probably all too familiar with, one that can be traced back to instances like Street Fighter Ladies of the Nineties, which never got the recognition they deserved either.

Honestly, if we’re to honor the art of game development truly, we need to spotlight the talented individuals who bring these experiences to life. After all, acknowledging Hennig’s work isn’t just about recognizing her; it’s about inspiring future creators who might be navigating similar paths.

So, as the industry continues to change and evolve, it’s essential to shift the conversation on this topic in particular, celebrating the unique talents behind our favorite games and ensuring that voices like Hennig’s are heard. After all, her journey reminds us of the importance of individual creativity in a collaborative landscape.

But, with that out of the way, what are your thoughts on all this? Could Uncharted have reached such heights without Amy Hennig’s vision? Let us know in the comments below!