In the build up to the release of Left Behind, the first and only single-player DLC for The Last of Us, Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann has been contemplating the potential avenues for a direct sequel. Speaking with Eurogamer, the game’s creative director revealed that the studio is currently outlining possibilities for an all-new IP, too.
“We have started brainstorming some stuff. To be honest, some of them are sequel ideas, and some of them are brand new IP – we’ve spent the last few weeks brainstorming new IP,” Druckmann told Eurogamer. “So we have to get some good steps and see… It’s kind of like how we approached Left Behind. Can we tell people a story that’s really worth telling, and that’s not repeating itself?”
Given the nature of The Last of Us’ conclusion, Naughty Dog’s critically-adorned title doesn’t necessarily lend itself to a direct continuation. In truth, speculation surrounding a sequel has existed almost as long as the game itself — particularly with Sony registering domains for The Last of Us 2 & 3 back in May. Although, should a follow-up be on the cards, it’s unlikely to materialise anytime soon.
Still, with Naughty Dog now divided into two internal developing teams — one of whom is working on the next Uncharted title for PlayStation 4 — the studio has proven its mettle with fostering new, intriguing intellectual property. In terms of the The Last of Us 2, I guess it comes down to whether ND will stick to its post-apocalyptic guns or branch out into uncharted territory.
Elsewhere in the interview, Druckmann also touched upon the possibility of bringing The Last of Us to PlayStation 4:
“It’s something where we can have a feel of where the demand is, and where our time is best spent. It’s something that we’ll figure out as we move forward.”
The Last of Us: Left Behind will be available on Friday, February 14th for $14.99.
