A planned multiplayer mod for The Last of Us Part 2 has been canceled following a request from Sony Interactive Entertainment, according to its creator. The modder, known as Speclizer, announced the decision on social media, stating that the project will no longer be released.
Speclizer had been developing the mod since January and had regularly shared progress updates, including videos showcasing features like public matchmaking and a loadout system. The most recent development update was posted on August 22nd, with the modder expressing optimism about the project's nearing completion. However, a letter received from Sony prompted the halt in development.
"Extremely sad that this never got to see the light of day but I hope you'll continue to follow me onto the next project, this time something of my own," Speclizer wrote. "Thank you all for the incredible amount of support over the last year. I hope to bring you something bigger and better soon!"
This situation echoes previous instances where fan projects have faced similar challenges. In 2024, the fan-made game Bloodborne Kart had to rebrand its assets after its creator, Lilith Walther, was contacted by Sony's legal team. While generally safer for modders to avoid direct monetization of their work, the ultimate decision on whether projects can proceed often rests with the original game's publisher.
There is speculation that monetization may have been a factor in the cancellation of The Last of Us Part 2 mod. A video posted in June described gaining "early access to Starlight," a mod menu for the PC port of The Last of Us Part 2, through a Patreon page. This Patreon page now reportedly hosts a notice posted on September 6th. The implications of this potential monetization are unclear, but it represents a common risk for ambitious fan-made projects.