Fans of *The Last of Us* may need to brace themselves for the possibility that the series has reached its conclusion, according to recent statements from Naughty Dog. Dive into the details surrounding the future of *The Last of Us* and explore what Naughty Dog has in store next.
The Last of Us Might Not Get Another Sequel
This Could Be It According to Naughty Dog
The Last of Us (TLOU) might not see another sequel, marking The Last of Us Part II as the final chapter in the acclaimed post-apocalyptic series. In an interview with Variety on March 5, 2025, Naughty Dog's co-president Neil Druckmann addressed the speculation about The Last of Us Part III.
Druckmann stated, "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 comment casts doubt on the future of TLOU in the gaming world, as Naughty Dog shifts its focus towards expanding the TV series.
Previously, during the DICE Summit 2025, Druckmann shared his philosophy on game development with IGN, saying, "I think you're jinxing yourself if you're starting to think about the sequel when you're working on the first game. So when I was making The Last of Us Part II, yeah, sure. Every once in a while an idea pops in your head of where it might go if we get the chance to do another one. But I just approach it as, ‘what if I never get to do another one?’...I'm not saving some idea for the future. If there's a cool idea, I'm doing my best to get it into here."
This approach suggests that The Last of Us may not receive further video game sequels, especially given the conclusive nature of The Last of Us Part II's ending. However, fans can still look forward to the second season of the The Last of Us TV series, set to premiere on April 13, 2025.
Working on a New IP
While the future of The Last of Us in gaming remains uncertain, Naughty Dog is actively developing a new intellectual property. At The Game Awards 2024, they unveiled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a sci-fi title for the PlayStation 5. A teaser trailer showcased the game's innovative elements, and according to its official website, Naughty Dog has been crafting this ambitious project since 2020. Although details are scarce, the studio promises a groundbreaking narrative.
The Last of Us Online Cancelled to Give Way to Intergalactic
The cancellation of The Last of Us Online was a strategic move to prioritize single-player experiences and focus on Intergalactic. In a February 19, 2025, interview on the Sacred Symbols+ podcast, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida explained that the decision was influenced by advice from Bungie, creators of Destiny. Yoshida noted, "The idea for The Last of Us Online came from Naughty Dog and they really wanted to make it." He continued, "But Bungie explained what it takes to make live-service games, and Naughty Dog realized, 'Oops, we can't do that! If we do it, we can't make Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.' So that was a lack of foresight."
With Druckmann's statements and the cancellation of The Last of Us Online, it appears that Naughty Dog is stepping away from the franchise for now. However, fans can still anticipate the release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on April 3, 2025, for PC. Stay updated with the latest on The Last of Us Part II Remastered by checking out our dedicated article below!
