The Last of Us Part 2 was released in June 2020, and Naughty Dog’s latest received a mixed reaction, to say the least. The long-awaited sequel made some narrative decisions that didn’t sit well with some fans, and gamers continue to be divided on the game to this day. The Last of Us Part 2 was acclaimed by critics and featured a long single-player mode, but since its release, there hasn’t been much news regarding its long-gestating multiplayer mode. A multiplayer mode has been confirmed for the game, but the question remains as to when it will be completed and released at some point this year.
For a lot of fans The Last of Us Part Two doesn’t necessarily need multiplayer. That being said, the mode was officially announced by Naughty Dog, and since then the developer has been silent on the subject. The first The Last of Us game featured a multiplayer mode called Factions, which proved to be very popular among the fanbase. It was widely considered to be unnecessary for a game that boasted such a strong narrative experience, but it was still enjoyed by many. It’s currently unknown when the multiplayer mode will be released, but there might be some clues as to when there will be some further news.
Recently, there was an unverified leak related to Naughty Dog projects which might have given some indication for when players will see the multiplayer mode released. There was a reportedly leaked 2021 project list for the developer, and besides Uncharted releasing on PC and a new IP, there was some information on The Last of Us Part 2 and its related projects. Firstly, there was a mention of an Abby-focused DLC, which is certain to generate a mixed reaction, and the multiplayer mode was mentioned as well. While all unverified leaks of this nature should be taken with a grain of salt, there could be some credibility to the claim that multiplayer will release in 2021.
In September 2019, it was announced that multiplayer would come, but it wouldn’t be there at launch. The Last of Us Part 2 was released in June 2020, and it’s relatively reasonable to think that the team has been working on the multiplayer component since then. In the nine months since the game was released, it could be very likely that Naughty Dog has made some solid headway on the project, and that fans could be hearing some official news soon. While the Naughty Dog leaked project list could ultimately end up proving to be incorrect, the most realistic item on the list is The Last of Us Part 2 multiplayer and the possibility of it coming soon.
The development of the multiplayer function could be further along than some gamers expect, thanks to Last of Us Part 2 multiplayer footage leaks back in August 2020. Footage of the multiplayer leaked, which showed gameplay that seemed quite far along. It came across like an evolution of the Factions mode from the first game and looked somewhat complete; with the two warring factions appearing as though they’re representatives of the Washington Liberation Front and Seraphites, respectively. Despite this footage leaking with gameplay looking somewhat polished, it has been seven months since the footage came out and there has been no further news.
This could potentially suggest that the release of the multiplayer mode was delayed due to the leak, but that’s not likely. It’s conjecture to assume that the leak caused a delay, but for gameplay that seemed so far along and for there to be no formal news since, it could explain what has happened in the intervening months. The Last of Us Part 2 multiplayer looks like a step forward for Factions multiplayer. Based on how completed the gameplay looked at the time of the leak, there is cause for gamers to believe there’ll be an official reveal coming in the not-too-distant future.
Recent comments from Naughty Dog’s co-president and creative director of The Last of Us series, Neil Druckmann, could mean big news is coming for The Last of Us Part 2. Neil Druckmann stated that Naughty Dog has several announcements on the way and that he simply can’t answer direct questions about what they are. While no further information was revealed, it’s not hard to imagine that one of the developer’s upcoming projects is The Last of Us Part 2‘s multiplayer mode. Considering how long it has been since multiplayer was confirmed, it would make sense for it to be part of Naughty Dog’s upcoming slate.
In addition to Neil Druckmann’s recent comments, Naughty Dog job listings have been spotted, where the company has a vacancy for an Economy Designer. The successful candidate would be overseeing the online multiplayer elements of a given game. The Last of Us series isn’t mentioned specifically in the job listing, but it’s reasonable to think that the team is looking for an Economy Designer to refine online elements of the impending multiplayer mode.
The job listing itself isn’t indicative of much on its own, Naughty Dog is a large developer and it would make sense that they have several projects in the pipeline. However, when coupled with other tidbits of information, it makes all the more sense that this position is for The Last of Us Part 2.
The Last of Us Part 2 may have released in 2020, but there is still life left in the title. The multiplayer portion of the game could shape up to be something exciting for fans, as Neil Druckmann assured fans it will be worth the wait last September. It can be frustrating for a lot of gamers to hear nothing about confirmed projects, but perhaps it’s a good policy for Naughty Dog to quietly work on multiplayer until there is something worthwhile to be announced. Taking into account the various leaks, job listings, and recent official comments, Last of Us fans could realistically hear something on the long-awaited multiplayer mode very soon.
The Last of Part 2 is available now on PlayStation 4.
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