Naughty Dog head Neil Druckmann has confirmed that multiple new projects set within The Last of Us universe are in the very early stages of development. These endeavors are intended to expand the canon of the franchise beyond the narratives presented in The Last of Us Part I and Part II.
In a statement on the studio's website, Druckmann indicated that while details are scarce, both projects represent a significant commitment to the franchise's storytelling. "We believe these stories are worth telling," Druckmann stated. The studio's reluctance to return to the universe without a compelling narrative suggests these new projects will offer meaningful contributions to the established lore. It remains unclear if these projects will exclusively be video games, as Naughty Dog has not ruled out other forms of media, such as film or streaming adaptations, to further explore the world.
The announcement follows the cancellation of The Last of Us Online, a multiplayer project that was reportedly in its final stages of development. The studio cited concerns over the extensive post-launch support required as a reason for its discontinuation, suggesting a continued focus on single-player experiences and potentially other narrative-driven projects. With Naughty Dog also working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, it is expected that these new Last of Us initiatives will not be revealed for some time.