The future of the acclaimed *The Last of Us* series might be coming to a close, according to recent statements from Naughty Dog. Dive into the details to understand what lies ahead for this beloved franchise and what new projects Naughty Dog has in the works.
The Last Of Us Might Not Get Another Sequel
This Could Be It According To Naughty Dog
It appears that The Last of Us (TLOU) may not see another sequel, potentially concluding the saga with The Last of Us Part 2. In a revealing interview with Variety on March 5, 2025, Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann addressed the prospects of a third installment. He stated, "I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of ‘Last of Us.’ This could be it." This comment casts doubt on the future of TLOU in the gaming world, as Naughty Dog shifts its focus toward expanding the TV series.
Druckmann has consistently shared his philosophy on game sequels. In a discussion with IGN at the DICE Summit 2025, he emphasized not planning too far ahead. "I think you're jinxing yourself if you're starting to think about the sequel when you're working on the first game," he noted. He further explained, "So when I was making The Last of Us 2, yeah, sure. Every once in a while an idea pops in your head of where it might go if we get the chance to do another one. But I just approach it as, ‘what if I never get to do another one?’...I'm not saving some idea for the future. If there's a cool idea, I'm doing my best to get it into here."
This approach suggests that TLOU might not see further video game sequels, especially given the conclusive nature of The Last of Us Part 2's storyline. However, fans can still look forward to diving back into the universe with the premiere of Season 2 of the The Last of Us TV series on April 13, 2025.
Working On A New IP
While the future of TLOU games remains uncertain, Naughty Dog is actively developing a new intellectual property. At The Game Awards 2024, they unveiled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, set for release on the PlayStation 5. The announcement was accompanied by a teaser trailer that hinted at its intriguing sci-fi narrative. According to the official website, Naughty Dog has been crafting this game since 2020, promising it to be their most ambitious and creative project to date. Since the announcement, details have been sparse, but anticipation is building.
The Last of Us Online Cancelled To Give Way To Intergalactic
The cancellation of The Last of Us Online was a significant move by Naughty Dog, as they pivoted towards focusing on single-player experiences. This decision paved the way for the development of Intergalactic. In an interview on the Sacred Symbols+ podcast on February 19, 2025, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida shed light on this shift. He revealed that advice from Bungie, the creators of Destiny, about the long-term commitment required for live-service games, influenced Naughty Dog's decision. Yoshida explained, "The idea for The Last of Us Online came from Naughty Dog and they really wanted to make it." He added, "But Bungie explained what it takes to make live-service games, and Naughty Dog realized, 'Oops, we can't do that! If we do it, we can't make Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.' So that was a lack of foresight."
With Druckmann’s statements and the cancellation of The Last of Us Online, it seems Naughty Dog is stepping away from the TLOU franchise for now. However, fans can still enjoy the upcoming release of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered on April 3, 2025, for PC. Stay tuned to our site for the latest updates on The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered!
