The Last of Us Part II initially captivated players with its gripping single-player narrative, but excitement soared when Naughty Dog, the game’s creator, also hinted of an upcoming multiplayer mode at the time. Despite the passage of three years since the game’s release, fans have clung to the hope that the studio would make good on its promise to deliver this anticipated multiplayer experience.
Recent reports, however, cast a shadow of doubt as news emerged that the multiplayer project had encountered setbacks and was shelved. Thankfully, the project’s director Vinit Agarwal has stepped forward to allay fans’ fears and confirm it is still in progress. Despite this, the final outcome of the multiplayer endeavor is still shrouded in uncertainty, leaving fans in a state of suspense regarding its completion.
A few days ago, Agarwal took to his Xbox account to proudly share the news of his triumph: he had conquered all the Special World courses in Nintendo’s new game, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Agarwal then added that he’s still working on “that” game.
I did it! Wow that was hard, easily 300+ Marios dead in the process.
And so this tweet can live on in peace… yes, I’m still working on that game. pic.twitter.com/a5Avx9Xl8H
— Vinit Agarwal (@vinixkun) November 4, 2023
He exclaimed, “I did it! Wow, that was hard—easily 300+ Marios dead in the process. And so this tweet can live on in peace… yes, I’m still working on that game.”
While Agarwal refrained from explicitly stating the game’s title, there’s little doubt he was alluding to The Last of Us Part II multiplayer version. Although Agarwal’s words don’t guarantee the version will ever see daylight, they do offer fans a glimmer of hope.
The earlier rumors of the game’s cancellation were fueled by Naughty Dog’s layoffs, and as far as we know, that situation remains unchanged. Nevertheless, Agarwal’s statement carries significant weight on this project, making it unlikely for him to deceive and upset the fanbase without reason.
While there’s a slim chance Agarwal might have referred to another game in his tweet, it’s highly improbable. The Last of Us Part II multiplayer version stands as the only high-profile game he’s associated with, making it the most likely subject of his tweet.
Despite the reassurance in Agarwal’s words, Sony has the final say on the project. Fans should temper their expectations and await official confirmation from the company. Given the recent buzz around The Last of Us IP, updates regarding the company’s plans for the multiplayer mode will likely surface sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, players can eagerly anticipate the arrival of The Last of Us Part II on the PlayStation 5, as indicated by a recent leak. Additionally, fans of the show can look forward to its second season. With the WGA strike resolved and hopes for a resolution of the SAG-AFTRA strike, filming is set to commence early next year, promising a small screen return in 2025.
