The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PlayStation 5, slated for its release early next year, has drawn mixed reactions from gaming fans. While there's a sense of excitement from many eager to relive the critically acclaimed title with enhanced features, some are voicing concerns about Naughty Dog seemingly treading water with their existing franchises. To make matters worse, a recent report claims that the studio assigned the remastering effort in the hands of newly recruited staff at Naughty Dog.
According to a report by VGC's Jordan Middler, the remastered version of The Last of Us Part II is primarily a project for new hires at Naughty Dog. This strategy serves as an introductory phase for fresh talent to acquaint themselves with its game development process. This approach aligns with the industry norm, where remasters and ports often serve as the training grounds for new developers. It allows them to hone their skills on existing frameworks before moving on to more ambitious, original projects.
This revelation should put to rest some of the apprehension regarding Naughty Dog's focus and resource allocation. It's renowned for its high-quality, narrative-driven titles, uncompromising in its creative momentum. The assertion that the "main" team, headed by Neil Druckmann is "full steam ahead on an original" is a reassuring sign that the studio, after years of relative dormancy, is cooking up something, as the kids say these days. Whether this will be a new installment in a beloved franchise or a completely new IP remains unclear.