Highlights

  • Naughty Dog has teased a new IP, though The Last of Us fans do not need to worry about their favorite series' future.
  • The studio's new project doesn't signal the end of The Last of Us series, as they can coexist.
  • Just like Naughty Dog returned to Uncharted to wrap up Nathan Drake's story after the original Last of Us game, it will likely go back to The Last of Us when it has a story to tell.

Since 2013, The Last of Us has been Naughty Dog's flagship franchise, bringing fans together through Joel and Ellie's journey. The franchise has since expanded to encompass other forms of media, including a television series. However, there are hints that the studio has its eyes on a new IP.

This is an exciting idea, as it means Naughty Dog will flex its creativity in new ways. Additionally, this news shouldn't upset The Last of Us fans. Judging by the studio's history, it doesn't mean dreams of The Last of Us Part 3 are over.

The Last of Us Part 2 Ellie In Battle
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The Last of Us 3's Ellie Shouldn't Be Another Joel

Assuming The Last of Us Part 3 centers on Ellie, one can only hope that Naughty Dog takes her in a different direction than Joel.

Naughty Dog Hints at a New IP

In a recent interview with Sony, Naughty Dog head Neil Druckmann discussed AI and the future of video game development. He maintains that it has the power to revolutionize things for the better, although there are some "ethical issues" that need to be addressed. At the end of the interview, he hinted that he is excited about a new game his studio is busy with. He is eager to see how the game resonates, as he believes it could redefine how the public perceives the gaming industry.

What is Naughty Dog's New Game?

The studio hasn't revealed what game it is working on, leaving plenty of room for speculation. There have been rumors that Naughty Dog is working on a sci-fi game. Previously, Druckmann has mentioned his dream of making a Marvel game revolving around The Punisher or Ghost Rider. With no certain answers yet, players will have to wait for more information from the studio.

A New IP Doesn't Mean the End of The Last of Us

When Naughty Dog starts a new IP, it doesn't necessarily neglect its old IPs automatically, which can be seen with the Uncharted franchise. Though The Last of Us was released in 2013, Uncharted 4 dropped in 2016, and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy hit shelves in 2017, just a few years before The Last of Us Part 2.

Consequently, The Last of Us fans needn't worry about Naughty Dog focusing on a new IP, as the studio is big enough to juggle two franchises. Furthermore, in Grounded 2: Making The Last of Us Part 2 documentary, Druckmann hinted that there is another chapter to the story and that there is a concept for The Last of Us 3. However, it will take years before players see this concept come to life.

Naughty Dog is a studio that has proved itself continuously, and it has amassed plenty of passionate fans along the way. The studio may be looking past The Last of Us, but it doesn't mean The Last of Us is being left in the past. Instead, the beloved franchise can coexist with a new IP. Furthermore, even if there was never a new The Last of Us game, the franchise could live on through other mediums such as the HBO television series.