[Update No. 2] You can catch the very first screenshots from Uncharted 3, as well as brand new gameplay and technology details, over here. [End of Update No. 2]

[Update No. 1] The name of the next Uncharted game has been confirmed by none other than one of Naughty Dog’s co-founders, Evan Wells. Get the news below. [End of Update No. 1]

Have we just got first word of Naughty Dog’s next entry to the industry-crushing Uncharted franchise?

In a feature on consumer site Entertainment Weekly, a game by the name of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception has been named as one of 2011’s games to look out for, following a visit by the outlet to Naughty Dog’s offices in Santa Monica, California.

Speaking to Naughty Dog creative director Amy Hennig, Entertainment Weekly learned of the third game’s title, while also being told that this game will focus on protagonist Nathan Drake’s relationship with fan-favourite character, Victor “Sully” Sullivan - Drake’s mentor in the adventuring business.

According to EW, Drake will this time be raking the “Arabian Peninsula and the vast wasteland of the Rub’ al Khali Desert, also known as the Empty Quarter” for some or other treasure.

Additions to gameplay include the ability to fight multiple enemies at once, as well as “enhanced backward climbing.” In addition, Naughty Dog co-president Evan Wells said that more effort would go towards expanding on Uncharted 2’s online multiplayer and cooperative offerings:

“We want to take on the big boys of the multi-player genre,” Wells told EW. “It has become something here at Naughty Dog that will become an important part to all our games.”

[Update]

In a Twitter tweet, co-president of developer Naughty Dog, Evan Wells, confirmed the name of Uncharted 3. From the message:

“Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception world premiere at the SPIKE VGA’s this Saturday.”

[End of Update]

We’ll learn more about the next Uncharted game during this Saturday’s Spike Video Game Awards, but until then you can watch the debut (super) teaser trailer over at Entertainment Weekly.

Source: Entertainment Weekly