The question of whether The Last of Us Part 3 will happen has followed the PlayStation 5 generation, with Naughty Dog offering few definitive answers. The studio has now confirmed that it is developing not one, but two new projects connected to the series.
In a new update on the studio’s website, Naughty Dog head Neil Druckmann said both projects are still in the “very early stages”. He also made clear that they will take the franchise beyond the stories told in Part I and Part II.
Since [2024’s behind-the-scenes documentary] Grounded II, we’ve talked about the possibility of telling more stories in the world of The Last of Us.
We have a couple of very exciting new projects in very early stages – so we can’t say much about them at this point. I will tell you that both projects will expand the canon of The Last of Us beyond Part I and Part II.
The world of The Last of Us means a great deal to us, and we wouldn’t return to it unless we had something meaningful to say. We believe these stories are worth telling.
What could the projects be?
The word “projects” is important because it does not confirm that either work is a video game. New games remain possible, but Naughty Dog could also be considering stories created for other formats, including film or streaming.
HBO’s adaptation appears set to finish with its third season, covering the remaining events of Part II. That leaves open the possibility of entirely new stories in the setting, separate from the television adaptation. The announcement does not identify the medium, so a comic or another type of collaboration cannot be ruled out.
For more gaming and industry updates, browse the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Readers comparing different ways to enjoy games at home can also explore arcade machines and the Arcade Machine Buying Guide.
The cancelled online game remains part of the story
Naughty Dog had previously been working on The Last of Us Online, which was expected to be a new game during this console generation. The project was cancelled late in development because the studio was concerned that ongoing post-launch support would absorb too much of its future development capacity.
The developer is still working towards releasing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. With that title taking priority and the two new Last of Us projects only at an early stage, details may not emerge for some time. For players interested in dedicated home gaming setups, RETROCADE also covers practical arcade parts and repair options.
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