(Image credit: Sony)
The Last of Us has remained hugely popular, yet during the creation of the original game, its creative director, Neil Druckmann, aimed to ensure the story could exist independently. His reasoning was simple: “I wasn’t sure they would ever let me direct a game again.” This determination was rooted in his desire for a self-contained narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end, ensuring it could thrive without needing a sequel. Game Informer captures this sentiment perfectly.
In a recent interview with Game Informer ahead of the much-anticipated second season of the TV adaptation, Druckmann delves into the transition to The Last of Us Part 2. He explains, “When we made Part 1, it was purposefully designed… I wasn’t sure they would ever let me direct a game again.” Despite this, the success of the first installment left room for Part 2, provided it brought a fresh perspective and continued the themes and character journeys in a story that could enrich the original. You can explore more insights on the making of Part 2 on Naughty Dog’s website.
In discussing the sequel, Druckmann reiterates the uncertainty that mirrored the initial game’s development. The team, uncertain if another chance would arise, focused on crafting a definitive ending that mirrored elements of the first. Remarkably, this approach seems apt, as Druckmann stated in an interview with Variety, “Don’t bet on there being more of Last of Us. This could be it.”
Druckmann’s insights, shared at the recent D.I.C.E. Summit, reveal his reluctance to plan for sequels or reserve ideas for later. “You’re jinxing yourself if you’re starting to think about the sequel when you’re working on the first game,” he confessed, preferring to channel all his creative ideas into the current project. This mindset underscores his belief in the original game as a standalone narrative.
Echoing this sentiment, Joel actor Troy Baker adds, “The Last of Us became the brand name for quality and storytelling within games.” This statement highlights the game’s exceptional reputation in the industry.
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