Summary
- Neil Druckmann hinted at the Last of Us series possibly ending with the second game, disappointing fans.
- The Last of Us has had a lasting impact on the industry with various adaptations and content.
- Druckmann is currently focused on a new Naughty Dog IP and the Last of Us TV series, leaving the games' future uncertain.
The Last of Us director and Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann recently broke the silence on a potential third game in the series with a comment stating that the second game could very well be the last one. This may come as a surprise and a disappointment to some fans following recent rumors of another The Last of Us sequel, though his comment does not necessarily constitute a commitment to ending the franchise.
One of PlayStation's biggest gaming franchises, The Last of Us has retained a grip on the industry for over a decade since the first game launched as a PS3 exclusive back in 2013. Since then, it has seen a remaster, a sequel, a television adaptation, and even a full-on remake, leaving fans with plenty of content to tide them over.
The Last of Us’ HBO Show Seemingly Tugs a Tight Leash on Naughty Dog’s Upcoming Part 3
Considering how long HBO's Last of Us adaptation could intend to run, Naughty Dog may or may not have a whole lot of time to put a Part 3 together.
However, following a recent interview with Variety, the video game series' future appears uncertain, as Druckmann states that the final seasons of The Last of Us TV show could well be the last fans see of the franchise. This is not necessarily a promise, as Druckmann has also reported in the past that he is floating around ideas for another sequel, but it does not appear to be actively in the works at the moment.
Neil Druckmann's Recent Comments Leave The Last Of Us' Future Uncertain
Currently, Druckmann and Naughty Dog are in the midst of development of a brand-new IP called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophecy, which was revealed at The Game Awards late last year. Meanwhile, Druckmann is also at work on the third and seemingly final season of the Last of Us television series, which is set to air its second season later this year.
In any case, the massively successful video game franchise may officially be at its end, with its latest release, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, doing little to add to the game's actual story. Previously, Naughty Dog was slated to release a multiplayer spinoff for The Last of Us to mimic the competitive mode from the first game, but it later canceled the project in a move that proved controversial among fans.
For now, fans will simply have to wait and see what comes once the Last of Us television show finishes up its proposed three-season run on Max. As for the future of Naughty Dog itself, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophecy appears to be moving in a brand-new direction with a focus on futuristic science fiction, and with other projects likely in the pipeline, the studio seems to have no shortage of work to do.
The Last of Us
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 94 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- June 14, 2013
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Naughty Dog
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Engine
- Proprietary (overall), Havok (physics)
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Expansions
- The Last of Us: Left Behind
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters in The Last of Us, winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards. In a ravaged civilization, where infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Joel, a weary protagonist, is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie out of a military quarantine zone. However, what starts as a small job soon transforms into a brutal cross-country journey. Includes the complete The Last of Us single-player story and celebrated prequel chapter, Left Behind, which explores the events that changed the lives of Ellie and her best friend Riley forever.
