The spin-off multiplayer of The Last of Us was close to seeing the light, but the reality of development slowed it down

It seems that The last of us online It may have been a Great Bombazo In the world of multiplayer, but Naughty Dog had to face a harsh reality: Making a game as a service is not easy. And it was Bungie, the creators of Destinywho opened his eyes on what really means to maintain a title of these characteristics.

An ambitious game, but impossible to keep

The information comes from the hand of Shuhei YoshidaThe executive of PlayStation led by Sony Interactive Studios between 2008 and 2019 and which now, already retired, is revealing interesting details on projects that have never seen the light.

During an interview in Podcast of sacred symbols (Via Pushsquare), Yoshida confirmed it The last of us came to play online And that the game was really well. However, despite the quality of the title, Naughty Dog decided Cancel it in 2023 Focus on several projects for a single player.

“The last online idea came directly from Naughty Dog and really wanted to do it”Yoshida explained. “But Bungie showed them what implies the maintenance of a game like service and Naughty Dog has understood that they could not do it. If they tried, they could not develop other projects such as Intergalactic: the heretic prophet “.

This confirms the rumors that have been circulating for a long time: Bungie has played a key role in the decision of Naughty Dog di Leave the game.

Did Sony want Naughty Dog to bet on multiplayer?

Since Sony acquired Bungie, a lot has been speculated on Playstation approach to games as a service. Even if Yoshida clarifies that there has never been a Direct order that all studies They had to make multiplayer gamesrecognizes that those who bet on this model They have had more ease to get green light in their projects.

“If a project included game elements as a service, it was easier to receive support and be approved”Yoshida commented.

This detail Open the door to many questions on Sony’s strategy in recent years. Are PlayStation Studies forced to follow this trend? Or is it simply a secret recommendation?

A narrative heritage that weighs more than multiplayer

Naughty Dog has gained a privileged place in the sector thanks to his Winding of unforgettable stories and charactersSomething that perhaps does not adapt to the nature of the games as a service at all. The last of us Has become one of the most acclaimed franchises thanks to his Cinematographic fiction and development of its protagonists, Joel and Elliewho have left their mark on millions of players. Trying to replicate that level of impact on a multiplayer game, with mechanics designed for prolonged sessions and constant updates, was not a simple task.

While other franchises have managed to successfully settle in the model of Games as a serviceAs Destiny or The divisionNaughty Dog has shown again and again that his greatest strength is in the titles for a single player. Perhaps, in another context and with more resources, The last of us online It would have been a practical bet, but for now the story weighs more than multiplayer.

See you at the last of us online?

The cancellation of the game leaves the fans of The saga Without a sequel to Multiplayer Factions modeThis at the time was a pleasant surprise. Naughty Dog has spent the last few years explore new ways to expand his universe, but seem to have preferred Bet on the narrative for a player Instead of risking a multiplayer difficult to maintain.

For now, the company continues with other secret projects and with the third scheduled episode of The last of usBut players who dreamed of a deep multiplayer in this universe They will have to settle for the past.