Naughty Dog's recent comments suggest the Last of Us video game series might be concluding. Let's delve into the future of The Last of Us and Naughty Dog's current projects.
The Last of Us: No More Sequels?
Naughty Dog's Perspective
In a March 5, 2025 interview with Variety, Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann hinted at the possibility of The Last of Us Part II being the final game in the series. When asked about The Last of Us Part III, he responded, "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 TLOU game franchise, as Naughty Dog shifts its focus towards other endeavors, particularly the Last of Us TV series.
Druckmann previously elaborated on his approach to sequels during a DICE Summit 2025 interview with IGN. He stated that he avoids thinking about sequels while developing the initial game, preferring to focus on making each installment a complete experience. This suggests that any future TLOU ideas would need to be compelling enough to warrant a new project, rather than simply continuing existing storylines. Given The Last of Us Part II's relatively conclusive ending, this seems less likely. Fans can still anticipate the April 13, 2025 release of Season 2 of the Last of Us TV series.
A New IP Emerges
While the future of The Last of Us games remains uncertain, Naughty Dog is actively developing a new intellectual property (IP). Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, announced during The Game Awards 2024, is a sci-fi title slated for PlayStation 5. The game, in development since 2020, promises to be a bold and creative departure for the studio. Further details are still awaited.
The Cancellation of The Last of Us Online
The cancellation of The Last of Us Online has been linked to Naughty Dog's decision to prioritize single-player titles and the development of Intergalactic. In a February 19, 2025 interview with the Sacred Symbols+ podcast, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida revealed that Bungie's insights into the long-term commitment required for live-service games played a significant role in this decision. Naughty Dog recognized the immense resources needed to sustain a live-service game, potentially hindering the development of Intergalactic.
Druckmann's comments, coupled with the cancellation of TLOU Online, strongly suggest a pause, if not an end, to the Last of Us video game series. However, fans can look forward to the April 3, 2025 PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered. For the latest updates on The Last of Us Part II Remastered, refer to our related article.
