This year holds a special place in the heart of Naughty Dog and its fans. Ten years ago, the haunting yet heartwarming tale of Joel and Ellie captivated gamers with the release of The Last of Us. Now, a decade later, the franchise is not just bound to gaming consoles but has sprawled across television with HBO’s adaptation of the title, which received such admiration that follow-up seasons was almost inevitably greenlit.
As the date September 26 approaches, it doesn’t just mark any day on the calendar for the fans of the game – it’s The Last of Us Day, echoing back to the terrifying event a decade ago in the game’s narrative when the Cordyceps brain infection wreaked havoc.
To commemorate this day, Naughty Dog has unveiled artworks of the game’s central characters, Joel and Ellie. This year, in collaboration with Gallery Nucleus and Plush Art Club, new artworks are slated for release, each capturing moments that tug at the heartstrings of every fan..
The Last of Us Day is nearly upon us!
We're celebrating with a #TLOUDay stream tomorrow at 9am PT featuring announcements focused on art, merch, and more. While we're honoring the series' 10-year legacy, we will not be discussing any future game or TV show projects.
— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) September 25, 2023
One artwork portrays Joel and Ellie, standing shoulder to shoulder, facing the adversities of a post-apocalyptic world, as crafted by the talented Gharliera. Meanwhile, another evocative piece by Ilya Kuvshinov that paints a scene of the duo navigating the deserted lands on a horse. While these exclusive pieces bring a rush of nostalgia, they come limited in stock, making them precious collectibles.
However, with all this fanfare around the day, the excitement took a bit of a nosedive with the announcement made by Naughty Dog. In their statement preceding this year’s The Last of Us Day, they expressly mentioned that the day would emphasize art, merchandise, and other related facets of the game’s universe. What it won’t include, however, are updates or announcements regarding future game projects or the HBO TV show adaptation.
This declaration might have put a damper on fans’ hopes, especially those eager for information on The Last of Us Part III, or insights about the awaited multiplayer game Naughty Dog that was delayed. With the last mainline installment, The Last of Us Part II, having been released back in 2020, there’s a clear demand for more news regarding the future of the franchise in the gaming space.
Suffice it to say, barring any last-minute changes and surprises, The Last of Us Part 2’s port on the PlayStation 5 and the PC aren’t coming out anytime soon.
Looking at the broader picture, though the excitement surrounding The Last of Us Day is undeniable, it is evident that fans want more. But, while major announcements may be absent this year, the franchise’s legacy remains untouched. The tales of Joel, Ellie, and the ruins of society they navigate serve as a testament to the impact video games can have on individuals.
As the day draws to a close, while some may feel the sting of unmet expectations, others will revel in the memories and stories as well as artworks that remind them of their journey with Joel and Ellie.
After all, it’s not always about the new horizons but also about cherishing the paths already traveled.
