Naughty Dog’s recent comments suggest the Last of Us video game series might be concluding. Let's explore the future of this beloved franchise and Naughty Dog's current projects.
The Last of Us: Is This the End of the Road?
Naughty Dog's Uncertain Future for The Last of Us
The Last of Us Part II may be the final chapter in the acclaimed post-apocalyptic saga. In a March 5, 2025 interview with Variety, Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann hinted at the possibility of no further Last of Us games, stating, "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 statement casts doubt on the future of the franchise, as Naughty Dog shifts its focus towards the television series.
Druckmann previously expressed his reservations about creating sequels during a DICE Summit 2025 interview with IGN. He explained that he prefers to focus on the present project rather than planning sequels, stating, "I think you're jinxing yourself if you're starting to think about the sequel when you're working on the first game...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." Given The Last of Us Part II's relatively conclusive ending, this approach lends credence to the possibility of no further sequels. Fans can still anticipate the upcoming Season 2 of The Last of Us TV series, premiering April 13, 2025.
A New IP on the Horizon
While the future of The Last of Us game series remains uncertain, Naughty Dog is actively developing a new intellectual property. Announced at The Game Awards 2024, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is a PlayStation 5 title with a sci-fi setting. The game, in development since 2020, promises to be a bold and creative departure for the studio. Further details are yet to be released.
The Cancellation of The Last of Us Online
The cancellation of The Last of Us Online paved the way for Intergalactic. In a February 19, 2025 interview with the Sacred Symbols+ podcast, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida revealed that the online project was scrapped to prioritize Intergalactic. He cited advice from Bungie regarding the significant commitment required for live-service games, noting that Naughty Dog realized the demands of maintaining a live-service game would hinder their ability to develop Intergalactic.
Druckmann's comments, coupled with the cancellation of The Last of Us Online, strongly suggest that Naughty Dog is, at least for now, moving on from the Last of Us franchise. However, fans can look forward to the PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on April 3, 2025. For the latest updates on The Last of Us Part II Remastered, check out our related article!
