Despite the commercial and critical success of both franchises, Naughty Dog Co-President Neil Druckmann has stated that the studio has “moved on” from the Uncharted series and could potentially do the same with The Last of Us. This statement comes after the recent release of the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us, which has brought the series back into the spotlight.
Druckmann stated that Sony, the parent company of Naughty Dog, would not pressure the studio into continuing the story of Ellie and Abby, the main characters of The Last of Us Part 2, which was released in 2020. He emphasized that Sony has always supported the studio in following their passions and that just because a game is successful, it does not mean that a sequel is necessary.
“For us, Uncharted was insanely successful – Uncharted 4 was one of our best-selling games – and we’re able to put our final brushstroke on that story and say that we’re done. We’re moving on,” Druckmann said. “Likewise, with The Last of Us, it’s up to us whether we want to continue it or not.”
He also mentioned that the studio’s process is the same for both franchises and that they will only continue to develop a game if they can come up with a compelling story that has a universal message and statement about love, just like the first and second games did. If they can’t come up with something, they will leave the series with the strong ending that Part 2 provided.
Druckmann also revealed that a story outline for a potential The Last of Us Part 3 has been written, but the game is not currently in development. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Druckmann hinted that a potential second season of the HBO series could cover The Last of Us Part 2 and that Naughty Dog might have plans for a third entry in the series. “I think there’s more story to tell,” he said.
In addition to these statements, Naughty Dog is also currently developing a standalone multiplayer game set in the world of The Last of Us, which will have its own story and a new cast of characters. The studio recently released the second piece of concept art for the game and plans to reveal more about the project later this year.
Druckmann stated that the multiplayer game will allow players to enter the world of The Last of Us with their friends and experience the tension and brutality of that world. He also mentioned that the game will be set in a city that has not been seen before in the world of The Last of Us, providing a new chapter in the universe of the franchise.
The statement from Druckmann has sparked mixed reactions from fans of the franchise. Some are disappointed that the studio may not continue the story of Ellie and Abby, while others are excited about the possibility of a new chapter in the universe of The Last of Us.
It’s worth noting that Naughty Dog has not confirmed whether it will continue with The Last of Us or Uncharted, and the studio’s plans for the future are still uncertain. However, Druckmann’s statement makes it clear that the studio has the freedom to follow its passions and that a new game will only be developed if they can come up with a compelling story.
For now, fans of the series will have to wait and see what Naughty Dog has in store for the future of The Last of Us and Uncharted. The studio’s standalone multiplayer game in the world of The Last of Us is currently in development, and more information about the project is expected to be revealed later this year.
