Why The Last of Us Multiplayer's Delay Was Inevitable

Despite fans hoping for an update on The Last of Us multiplayer game during the recent PlayStation Showcase, Naughty Dog unfortunately did not make an appearance. The developer released a statement notifying fans that the game has been internally delayed, which may ultimately save it from an unfortunate fate. While the existence of a Last of Us multiplayer spin-off game was teased back in Summer 2022, little information has been shared since. Although the recent delay announcement has put a damper on some of the hype for the franchise following The Last of Us' successful HBO series, fans shouldn't be too disheartened as the studio is known for creating quality experiences and giving them the time necessary to create the optimal experience is the best path forward.

The Last of Us Multiplayer's Delay is Not Surprising Given the Circumstances

Following the release of The Last of Us Part 2 in 2020, fans expected to see progress on Naughty Dog's next major title three years later. However, allegations of crunch culture surfaced, leading the studio to commit to changing its approach towards development. As a result, future projects from Naughty Dog will likely have longer development cycles. Additionally, rumors suggest that developers working on The Last of Us multiplayer game have been reassigned to other projects, potentially leading to further delays. Speculation also suggests that the studio may be reassessing the game's long term viability and overhauling certain aspects to meet its standards.

Along with the announcement of the game's delay, Naughty Dog also confirmed that they are working on a new single-player project, potentially The Last of Us Part 3. This decision may have led to the shift of resources away from a spin-off title, as Naughty Dog's expertise lies in creating exceptional single-player games. While there is still a chance for positive news about The Last of Us multiplayer title later in the year, fans should not expect it and should give Naughty Dog the time needed to create a high-quality gaming experience. It's important for the gaming industry to support studios in reducing crunch culture and be understanding of delays that result from this effort. The Last of Us series deserves the studio's full attention and effort, even for a spin-off title.