Naughty Dog’s co-president, Neil Druckmann, has hinted at the possibility of a third installment in The Last Of Us franchise. While this is not a confirmation of a new game in development, Druckmann believes that there might be “one more chapter to this story.” In a recent Making-Of feature, he expressed his thoughts on the potential direction for The Last Of Us: Part 3.
The first game beautifully portrayed the theme of unconditional parental love, while the second game delved into the pursuit of justice at any cost. Druckmann stated that if they never get to continue the story, the second game could serve as a fitting ending to the series. However, he also mentioned that he now has a concept in mind that is as exciting as the previous games and could provide a throughline for all three. This newfound concept has sparked Druckmann’s interest in exploring another chapter in The Last Of Us universe.
A Privileged Position
Druckmann acknowledges the privileged position that Naughty Dog holds when it comes to game development. The studio doesn’t feel obligated to continue a particular franchise if the team is passionate about exploring new ideas. While they would love to create another Last Of Us game, Naughty Dog is open to supporting other projects that capture their attention. This mindset allows for creative freedom and ensures that each game released by the studio is a passion project.
During the Making-Of feature, Druckmann also addressed misconceptions surrounding a story involving Joel Miller’s brother, Tommy, set after the events of The Last Of Us Part 2. He clarified that this Tommy story was never intended to be The Last Of Us Part 3. It was always conceived as a smaller project and never given the status of a full title. While the story was put on hold due to other priorities at Naughty Dog, Druckmann expressed his hope that it will see the light of day in some form, whether as a game or a show.
Speculation about the future of The Last Of Us franchise raises questions about potential spin-offs or adaptations. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy served as a successful standalone spin-off from the Uncharted series, prompting fans to consider the possibility of a similar approach for The Last Of Us. Additionally, the well-received The Last Of Us HBO adaptation opens up the opportunity for another season exploring the rich narrative of the game.
The Last Of Us on PC
As discussions about the future of the franchise continue, it is worth noting that The Last Of Us Part 2 has not yet been released for PC. However, given the studio’s history of porting games, it is likely that a PC version will be made available in the future. This would allow a broader audience to experience the emotional journey of The Last Of Us series.
A Broader Context
Druckmann’s storytelling in The Last Of Us series has drawn inspiration from his personal experiences growing up in Israel and his reflections on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While The Last Of Us games are not direct allegories or commentaries on real-world conflicts, they explore themes of justice and consequences. The current events unfolding in Israel and the Gaza Strip serve as a backdrop, highlighting the timeliness and impact of these narratives.
The future of The Last Of Us: Part 3 remains uncertain at this time. Neil Druckmann’s concept for another installment breathes new life into the franchise, but it is essential to approach it with caution. The Last Of Us series has cemented its place in gaming history with its impactful storytelling and unforgettable characters. If a third game does come to fruition, fans can expect to embark on another emotionally charged journey in a world ravaged by the consequences of human actions.
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