The Last of Us has solidified its status as one of Sony’s key franchises. Since the launch of its groundbreaking original title in 2013, it has not only achieved remarkable success but has also significantly influenced the trajectory of Sony’s first-party offerings. The franchise’s impact is evident, having led to the creation of a sequel and a television adaptation that has garnered acclaim and is set to continue with a second season later this year.
Given the monumental success of the initial two installments, speculation regarding a potential third title has naturally arisen. Neil Druckmann, the series director and co-creator, has tempered enthusiasm, advising fans not to “bet on”the arrival of a third game. He suggests that the ongoing television series might culminate as the final chapter of the franchise. However, there remains ample potential for further exploration within its richly crafted universe, potentially through new gaming experiences that do not necessarily center around established characters.
Season 2 Shouldn’t Mark the End of The Last of Us
The Last of Us’ Universe Offers Vast Expansion Opportunities
While the immediate demand for a true third installment might be debatable, Naughty Dog has various avenues to keep the franchise thriving through spin-offs or titles set within the same universe. A subsequent game does not necessarily have to revolve around Ellie, whose narrative found resolution in Part 2. Instead, the focus could shift to brand-new characters and unexplored locations, bringing fresh perspectives to the existing lore.
Several recent entries in The Last of Us media have successfully expanded on themes and characters, notably evident in the third episode of the television series. This episode provided a deeper exploration of the relationship between Bill and Frank, moving beyond the original game’s constraints. A potential new game could adopt a similar approach, enriching the franchise’s core lore without being a direct sequel.
The Last of Us Could Explore International Settings
A compelling direction for a new installment could involve relocating the narrative to a different region entirely. While the first two games traversed various parts of the United States, vast areas remain untouched and ripe for exploration. The opportunity exists to depict the Cordyceps virus’s unsettling consequences in alternative locations across the country.
Moreover, developers at Naughty Dog could boldly expand the scope by setting the next game outside of the United States. Given the game’s thematic focus on a global pandemic, it would be intriguing to explore how the outbreak influenced different cultures and societies beyond American borders.
Sony Should Cultivate Intellectual Properties Like The Last of Us
As the frequent remakes and remasters of The Last of Us may begin to wear thin for some fans, they highlight an important aspect for Sony as a publisher. In a recent statement, Sony’s CFO, Hiroki Totoki, mentioned a perceived deficiency in original, in-house intellectual property. This observation raises questions, particularly given that Sony has often neglected to extend the lifespan of its IPs across multiple console generations. Nurturing The Last of Us franchise could mitigate these concerns effectively.
As Naughty Dog gears up to transition away from The Last of Us following the release of the television show’s second season—especially as they embark on their new project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet—there remains boundless potential for future titles. These could enrich the franchise’s universe, even if they don’t conform to the traditional format of The Last of Us Part 3.
Leave a Reply ▼