In a recent announcement on Twitter, game development studio Naughty Dog revealed a delay in the release of the much-anticipated The Last of Us multiplayer game. In an open message to the game’s eager fanbase, Naughty Dog stated, “We’re incredibly proud of the job our studio has done thus far, but as development has continued, we’ve realized what is best for the game is to give it more time.”
This isn’t the first bump in the road for the multiplayer game. During The Last of Us Day 2019, Naughty Dog acknowledged the significant growth of the multiplayer mode initially planned for The Last of Us Part II, which had outpaced the scope that could be bundled with the game. The studio reassured fans that “you will eventually experience the fruits of our team’s online ambition… When and where it will be realized is still to be determined.”
As The Last of Us Day 2020 came around, Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog’s Co-President, teased fans with a cryptic tweet that alluded to the multiplayer game, saying, “Thank you to all the wonderful fans for an incredible #TheLastofUsDay! Your positivity and love is incredibly inspiring. Oh… and about that other thing… be patient. It’ll be worth it.”
During The Last of Us Day 2021, the studio confirmed they were “working on it – we see the community comments as many of you clamor for multiplayer and want updates.” They assured fans that they were pleased with what the team was developing, but they wanted to allow the necessary time for the project’s ambitious goals to be realized.
At Summer Game Fest 2022, Druckmann confirmed that the multiplayer game would stand alone and be as substantial as any of Naughty Dog’s single-player games. He described a narrative featuring new characters in San Francisco, California, and a “massive scope and immense world.” He further ensured the game’s design would be “inviting to new players” while still providing a “thrilling challenge for more of [their] seasoned fans.”
Druckmann also revealed that Naughty Dog veterans Vinit Agarwal, Anthony Newman, and Joseph Pettinati were leading the project. He concluded by stating, “You’ll hear a lot more about this game next year.”
True to his word, Druckmann reiterated on The Last of Us Day 2022 that more details about the ambitious The Last of Us Online game would be unveiled in 2023. Early in 2023, he shared another piece of concept art and echoed the promise for more details to be disclosed within the year.
While the studio is delaying the multiplayer game, they continue to work on it alongside their other projects, including a new single-player experience. Naughty Dog ended their announcement by expressing their gratitude to their passionate community, stating, “Thank you for your passion for our games, it continues to drive us.”
Comments