Naughty Dog Halts Development on Next Project: The Last Of Us Franchise Takes Unexpected Turn
Since its inception in 2013, The Last Of Us franchise has soared in popularity, boasting over 37 million copies sold and even spawning a highly successful HBO TV series adaptation. However, despite the franchise’s monumental success, the anticipated next installment, envisioned as an online multiplayer project, has been abruptly shelved, leaving fans disheartened by its sudden demise.
The next game in the popular The Last Of Us series has been cancelled.
Developer Naughty Dog said it had made the “incredibly difficult decision” after realising the project’s scope would negatively impact other future titles.
In a blog post, the studio added it knows “this news will be tough” for fans and that it was “equally crushed”.
Unlike prior releases from the PlayStation studio, which is known for single-player, story-driven blockbusters, the cancelled game was an online multiplayer experience.
Similar to titles like Call Of Duty and Fortnite, it would be updated regularly to keep players coming back.
Naughty Dog said while it was “enthusiastic about the direction” of the project, supporting it post-launch would risk “severely impacting development on future single-player games”.
It said such games, such as its Indiana Jones-like Uncharted series, had “defined Naughty Dog’s heritage”.
Studio committed to single-player roots
The studio has dabbled in multiplayer in the past, but only as an extra mode of play.
The Last Of Us, which first released in 2013, had a popular online experience called Factions, which pitted players against one another in competitive shooter matches.
It was also meant to be part of 2020’s The Last Of Us: Part II, before Naughty Dog decided to spin it off into the separate release that has now been canned.
“We are immensely proud of everyone at the studio that touched this project,” the blog post added.
“The learnings and investments in technology from this game will carry into how we develop our projects and will be invaluable in the direction we are headed as a studio.”
What’s next?
Naughty Dog’s forthcoming venture is a PlayStation 5 re-launch of The Last Of Us: Part II, scheduled for release in January.
Despite the studio’s widespread critical acclaim for its games, Naughty Dog has faced criticism for what some perceive as an extensive reiteration of its post-apocalyptic zombie series. The original installment saw three different versions released between 2013 and 2022, prompting debates about the studio’s approach.
The timing of this re-release aligns with the popularity surge of HBO’s recent TV adaptation, a move that appears strategically aimed at capitalizing on the show’s success.
However, in a recent blog post, Naughty Dog hinted at broader horizons, mentioning the development of “more than one ambitious, brand-new single-player game,” suggesting a departure from their established franchise-focused trajectory.
