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Naughty Dog has a way of building beautiful narrative-driven worlds and placing the perfect heroes inside. They make us want to dig deeper and hope for an abundance of sequels. And of course, that’s where the fan-favorite Jak and Daxter comes in.

There’s a lot we can say about the loveable hero and ottsel sidekick. But for now, it’s the tragic tale of Jak 4, and how the project transitioned from hopeful to unlikely.

10 Jak 4 Was In Development

It may be hard to believe, but Jak 4 was initially planned for release many years ago. The fourth installment wasn’t just a pipe dream floating about in Naughty Dog’s heads. There was always a plan for the next chapter, and the game was, in fact, in the early stages of development way back in 2006. Sadly, however, the project hardly passed through the concept art stage. And, despite the many attempts to get going on the title, Naughty Dog struggled with the transition between new generations of consoles and newer software. This, heartbreakingly, resulted in the demise of the once-loved franchise.

9 Naughty Dog Struggled With The PlayStation 2/3 Transition

As we’re on the topic of console transitions, it may be worth pointing out that Naughty Dog themselves had troubles with the new learning curve for the PlayStation 3 back in 2006. It was because of these new ways of developing games and tougher methods that they failed to breathe life into the Jak platform.

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In Naughty Dog’s eyes, they didn’t want to butcher the loveable franchise by assigning staff to work on a delicate project with unfamiliar engines. Instead, the Jak world was left in its golden age, and Naughty Dog looked to venture down alternative routes.

8 Jak 4 Was Scrapped For Uncharted

Once Naughty Dog programmers managed to get their perplexed heads around the PlayStation 3 transition, fresh ideas were brought to the table. Despite already having Jak 4 in the deck of cards, the developer looked to establish a fresh IP for the new and improved console. This, to our amazement, resulted in the blockbuster hit, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.

However, after the wide success of the action-packed title, Naughty Dog switched courses and looked to build on Drake’s world as opposed to reviving Jak and Daxter. Sadly, it meant the franchise as we knew it started to fade from the back burner and into the unknown dark depths of unlikelihood.

7 Jak 4 Concept Art Surfaced

Although not the first round of concept art to break out into the web, there were indeed more defined images posted online in 2015 of the unfinished project. Take the above, for example. Thanks to Scribble Pad Studios, who previously worked on Naughty Dog titles, the concept art for the fourth installment was published was released for eager fans.

However, it clearly shows that both developers and artists had a shared dream of building a world that would be worthy of long-term fans of the series. And, from soaking up the fine detail behind the works, we’re able to see the platform that would’ve been Jak’s next playground. Sadly, however, these picturesque landscapes never made it to fruition.

6 Jak 4 Aimed For A Realistic Approach

Unlike previous installments, Naughty Dog had it in their minds to think beyond the scope and approach realism with Jak 4. From the grit of the scenery to the iconic goatee swaying in the breeze, Jak 4 was shaped up to be the action-adventure we never thought to expect.

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Looking over Jak and Daxter as a whole, Naughty Dog’s art style has transformed from wondrously enchanting to melancholic and grey. With Jak 4, however, steps were being taken to ensure the next launch would be more outlandish than ever. This could have either worked a charm to newer gamers, or fractured many older fans dreams of recapturing the style that was, and still is, fondly remembered.

5 Jak 4 Mock Cases Were Gifted To Fans

Shortly after the digital release of the Jak and Daxter: Collection, Limited Run Games put out a promotional offer. This offer included a mock case for the canceled title and downloadable PlayStation 4 theme. However, only buyers of the entire Jak series were eligible for the gift set.

So, despite never being able to insert the disc into a console physically, optimistic fans were still able to present the keepsake proudly on their shelves, to gaze at longingly forever. Perhaps one day, the game will come into the light and complete the set. No harm in fans hoping.

4 Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Affected Jak 4 Development

For a while, Jak 4 was well and truly on the horizon for Naughty Dog works. However, due to the awful reception of the 2009 release of Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, fans were left scratching heads and faithless in the direction the franchise was taking. However, this was thanks to the newfound developer, High Impact Games, who took over development from the game after Naughty Dog failed to devote enough time to it.

But alas, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier possessed none of the original character that previous chapters had, which presented itself in a genuinely dreadful light that no fans seemed to recognize. It was because of this that Naughty Dog expressed sincere regret in exchanging hands with High Impact Games. And, if it wasn’t for this particular shambolic launch, Jak 4 might have stood a much greater chance of survival.

3 Jak 3 Ending Left An Open Door To Future Adventures

Ending with a cliff-hanger means nothing is technically set in stone. With Jak 3, for example, the future was undecided and left open for exploration.

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Spoilers aside, Jak concluded his conversation with Daxter during the final scene of the game and spoke of all of the adventures they were going to have. Okay, so not exactly a sure-fire confirmation of follow-up titles. But, it was something that left fans hopeful for another wild adventure. Naughty Dog did this for a reason, of course. But sadly, those adventures were never brought to reality.

2 Naughty Dog Still Showcase Jak and Daxter

You may not notice it amongst the many promotional events showcasing The Last of Us: Part 2, but believe it or not, Naughty Dog does, in fact, still cherish the Jak and Daxter franchise. It is partially the reason the developer has reached such incredible heights.

Jak and Daxter are still making their rounds – even after fifteen years on the market; whether it being the remastered versions through the PS Store or even collectors editions. There’s still a great deal of love for the franchise even today.

1  Jak 4 Is Still A Possibility

Faith may have died for some, but for Naughty Dog, the chances of rebooting the series are still on the table. Whether we’ll catch a glimpse of Jak 4 in the coming years or not remains to be seen. However, both Naughty Dog and fans know there’s definite potential in a fourth segment. If only it can get the backing it needs.

Naughty Dog has yet to reject the idea of ever bringing back the series. The project is still very much on the backburner and set aside for a rainy day. All we need now is a downpour.

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