Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Multiplayer Project Cancelled After Years of Development
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Naughty Dog's planned standalone multiplayer game for The Last of Us franchise has been cancelled. The project, which was reportedly approximately 80 percent finished, had been in development since 2019 and was announced as a separate release following the launch of Part 2. The studio maintained the game was coming until its cancellation was announced in December 2023.
Facts First
- The planned standalone multiplayer game was cancelled after years of development.
- Former director Vinit Agarwal stated the project was about 80 percent complete at the time of cancellation.
- Naughty Dog had confirmed the multiplayer would not release alongside Part 2, evolving into a separate project.
- The studio stated more time was needed for the project in May 2023, before cancelling it in December.
- Former team members continue to contact Agarwal regarding the cancelled project.
What Happened
Naughty Dog's planned standalone multiplayer game for The Last of Us franchise has been cancelled. Following the 2020 release of The Last of Us Part 2, the developer had planned to launch this game. In 2019, Naughty Dog explained that efforts to evolve the multiplayer Factions mode from the first game had grown beyond a mode that could be included with the single-player campaign, resulting in the decision for a separate release. Prior to the PS4 debut of Part 2, Naughty Dog confirmed the multiplayer aspect would not be released alongside it. In May 2023, the studio stated more time was required for the project. Naughty Dog maintained that the standalone multiplayer game was coming until December 2023, when the project was ultimately cancelled.
Former director Vinit Agarwal stated the project was approximately 80 percent finished at the time of its cancellation. Agarwal revealed he learned about the project's cancellation 24 hours before the public announcement. He stated over the weekend that former Naughty Dog team members continue to contact him regarding the project.
Why this Matters to You
If you were anticipating a new multiplayer experience within the The Last of Us universe, that specific project is no longer in development. Your access to a potential live-service game from Naughty Dog has been removed. The cancellation may indicate a shift in the studio's development priorities, which could affect the types of games it releases in the future.
What's Next
Naughty Dog's focus likely shifts to its other projects. The studio may allocate resources previously dedicated to the multiplayer game to its single-player titles. Former team members who worked on the cancelled project might move to new roles within or outside Naughty Dog.