Neil Druckmann revealed in an interview with ComicBook that the upcoming Last of Us multiplayer project had been in the works for quite some time, even before The Last of Us Part II was released.
“That’s the most ambitious project we’ve ever done. Expanding the world even further, continuing to tell a story but in a multiplayer space. I won’t say too much about that.”
Druckmann also mentioned another title in the works briefly. “There’s another project that I will not say anything about that’s beyond (The Last of Us multiplayer project) that we’re also very much excited about.” This could be The Last of Us Part III, or a completely new IP.
The Last of Us Factions was a smash hit when it was released alongside The Last of Us in 2013. When the second game was revealed in a surprise announcement in 2016, fans assumed it would also include a factions component. Naughty Dog, on the other hand, explained in a blog post in 2019 that the project’s scope had grown so large that it could not be released alongside The Last of Us Part II.
The Last of Us multiplayer project still has not been officially revealed yet, but Naughty Dog did unveil some concept art for the game, seemingly set in San Fransisco.
The Last of Us Multiplayer concept art (Naughty Dog)
Naughty Dog is best known for their single-player games. According to Druckmann in a recent blog post it will retain all of the qualities that Naughty Dog has provided in previous experiences.
“the project is shaping up to be a fresh, new experience from our studio, but one rooted in Naughty Dog’s passion for delivering incredible stories, characters, and gameplay.”
The title’s official reveal appears to be imminent, as Druckmann stated that the game will be revealed later this year. The most likely date for a reveal would be the 10th anniversary of The Last of Us.