Naughty Dog hasn’t released a new game in years and it appears that the wait will go on for a little while longer.
In a significant (and, to be quite honest, expected) development for fans of Naughty Dog’s critically acclaimed series, the studio has confirmed the cancelation of its multiplayer spin-off to The Last of Us.
The decision to stop development on The Last of Us, though difficult, was made after weighing the potential impact of the project on the studio’s future endeavors, particularly in the single-player narrative space, where it remains one of the industry’s top developers.
The Last of Us Online started life during the development of The Last of Us Part II, presumably as a “sequel” to The Last of Us: Factions, the multiplayer feature of the first The Last of Us game. Naughty Dog initially envisioned the spin-off as a multiplayer experience and extension of the franchise, one that would leverage the studio’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives.
As the development team delved deeper into the project, it became evident that the scope and ambition of The Last of Us Online were vast. The vision for the game crystalized, and the gameplay mechanics started to take a refined as well as satisfying shape. There was genuine enthusiasm within Naughty Dog about the direction the game was heading. But, the transition from pre-production to full-scale development brought to light the considerable resources require for an expansive online game post-launch. The realization dawned that dedicating the necessary resources to The Last of Us Online would significantly impact the studio’s ability to develop future single-player titles. Faced with a choice between shifting entirely towards being a live service game studio or continuing their legacy of single-player narrative games, Naughty Dog chose the latter.
This decision was influenced by several factors. First, the complex nature of live service games demands continuous and consistent quality content updates and a sustained post-launch engagement strategy, requiring a significant portion of the studio’s workforce and attention. Second, Naughty Dog’s heritage and acclaim have been built primarily on their single-player experiences, which have garnered a massive following and critical acclaim over the years. Continuing this legacy aligned more closely with the studio’s core strengths and creative aspirations.
The Last of Us Online isn’t the first attempt by Naughty Dog to explore multiplayer modes. As previously mentioned, it added a popular multiplayer component known as Factions to the original game, praised for its depth and engagement. However, the scale and complexity of The Last of Us Online were of a different magnitude, pushing the studio into uncharted territory.
Although disappointing, the cancelation is understandable, especially in light of recent developments. Earlier this year, it was reported that Naughty Dog had encountered problems with The Last of Us Online following Bungie’s assessment. It later refuted the reports of the game’s cancelation. But, at that point, the writing, as they say, was already on the wall, especially following Jim Ryan’s decision to resign from his position effective March 2024.
As one of the biggest supporters of PlayStation’s move towards the live-service genre, Ryan’s departure meant that the multi-billion-dollar investment was in danger. True to this, the company revisited its target of twelve live service games through 2026 and cut it in half. This shift indicates a more cautious approach to the live service model, possibly taking into account the high risks and resources required for such ventures.
While The Last of Us Online is no longer in development, Naughty Dog reassured fans that the lessons it had learned or the technological advancements made during its production would not go to waste. The studio confirmed it’s working on more than one ambitious single-player title, signaling a continued commitment to creating immersive narrative experiences that have become synonymous with the Naughty Dog brand.
The cancellation also ties into Sony’s larger strategic adjustments, with the company revising its target from twelve to six live service games by March 2026.
Naughty Dog’s next major release is The Last of Us Part II Remastered, scheduled for January 19, 2024, for PlayStation 5. This remastered version of the award-winning sequel is expected to bring enhanced visuals and performance, catering to the flagship console’s capabilities. Additionally, the second season of the hit HBO show based on The Last of Us is set to debut in 2025, with production rolling as soon as Pedro Pascal’s schedule is free, continuing the franchise’s expansion beyond gaming.
While this decision closes a chapter in the studio’s exploration of the multiplayer space, it opens the door for new and exciting single-player experiences that fans of Naughty Dog have come to love and expect. The studio’s future projects are eagerly awaited, as it continues to set high standards in narrative-driven gaming.
