The annual The Last of Us Day took place this past weekend, Sept. 26, coinciding with the day that the game world’s outbreak began. But since it was the weekend, the celebrations were scant.
Tonight, however, was the big news drop of sorts, direct from studio head Neil Druckmann. And it’s a mix of good and bad news, depending on how you look at things, but they deal with multiple IP.
First, Druckmann confirmed that there are two The Last of Us projects in “very early stages,” that “expand the canon of The Last of Us beyond Part I and Part II.” But that’s all he was willing to say for now, not even confirming whether or not these will be sequels, or even games.
“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,” Druckmann said. “We believe these stories are worth telling.”
The other reveal is that the studio’s next game, sci-fi bounty hunter-themed Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, won’t be showing up for the rest of the year. But in 2027, there will be something to show.
“The team is heads down on what is shaping up to be Naughty Dog’s most ambitious game yet,” he said. “There’s an electricity around the studio right now as all the pieces come together, and we’re stoked to finally unveil Intergalactic in all its glory. But…we need to cook for just a little bit longer.”
Intergalactic hasn’t been heard from or seen since the game’s debut at The Game Awards in 2024, and the wait won’t end any time soon. But according to Druckmann, it will be worth it.
“We know it’s been a long time since we’ve had much to share with you,” he said. “We don’t take your continued support for granted. We’re working incredibly hard to make something worthy of your patience.”
It’s been over six years since TLOU Part II, so patience is indeed a key word here. The wait continues into next year for even a glimpse of the team’s next project, but fans of The Last of Us should at least take heart in knowing that the franchise will continue on somehow, even if it’s not necessarily a Part III.
