With the year now coming to a close (and Baldur’s Gate 3 all but guaranteed to rack up the awards on December 7), evidence is starting to mount that a PlayStation 5 port of The Last of Us Part 2 will be announced at The Game Awards – the very same event that saw the original release of the game crowned as one of the GOATs of gaming back in 2020.
The reputable leaker, PlayStation Game Size, first reported the addition of a PS5 version of The Last of Us Part 2 to the backend of the PlayStation Network. This account is known for accurately sourcing information about upcoming video game developments, adding credibility to the rumors. Furthermore, Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson reached out to its sourses to independently verify the claim that a native PS5 version is indeed in the works. This development, if true, is a significant step for the game, originally released on PlayStation 4 and later enhanced for PlayStation 5 performance but not as a native port.
The rumors gained further traction when Gustavo Santaolalla, the composer for The Last of Us Part 2, mentioned “new editions” of the sequel in a July interview. He had hinted at an updated edition where players could interact with his in-game character, sparking further curiosity among fans. Moreover, a Naughty Dog developer was spotted mentioning a The Last of Us 2: Remastered on their LinkedIn profile, which, combined with other circulating rumors, adds to the growing body of evidence pointing towards an imminent announcement.
🚨 PS5 ✅ pic.twitter.com/9Wc8dUI0dX
— PlayStation Game Size (@PlaystationSize) November 17, 2023
A native PS5 version of The Last of Us Part 2 would follow the pattern set by its predecessor, The Last of Us, which was originally released for PlayStation 3 and was subsequently remastered for PS4. Last year, a PS5 version, The Last of Us Part 1, came out, all but confirmed that an updated version of the sequel on the newer console is coming, eventually.
Given the proximity to The Game Awards, it is highly plausible that Sony might be saving the official announcement for this high-profile event. The awards show has historically been a platform for major game announcements, and revealing a PS5 version of The Last of Us Part 2 would certainly align with the significance of the occasion.
If nothing else, this should help guarantee that Sony can steal some of the spotlight away from Grand Theft Auto 6 with the help of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Additionally, there’s speculation of a PC version accompanying the PS5 release. Sony’s recent efforts to expand its first-party franchises onto the PC platform suggest The Last of Us Part 2 could potentially enjoy an even broader audience and enhanced performance capabilities but that’s only if it fares better than the last one.
The Last of Us Part 2 received widespread acclaim upon its initial release, winning multiple awards at The Game Awards, including Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, and Best Narrative. It also achieved commercial success, selling over four million copies worldwide and becoming the fastest-selling PlayStation 4 exclusive at the time – a record that was most recently eclipsed by Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
With HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us set to start production in early 2024, the timing for a PS5 announcement seems opportune. The series’ first season garnered significant viewership, and the second season is planned for a 2025 release. This parallel development in the franchise’s universe only adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the potential game announcement.
The possibility of experiencing this landmark game with enhanced features on the latest console is an exciting prospect for fans and newcomers alike, promising to bring a new dimension to the already acclaimed narrative and gameplay experience of this iconic title.
Aside from The Last of Us Part 2 on PS5 (and PC) as well as HBO’s live-action adaptation, Naughty Dog is working on the franchise’s first multiplayer spin-off and, quite possibly, The Last of Us Part 3.
