Earlier today the Grounded 2 documentary released, focused on the creation and development of The Last Of Us Part 2. Much information was covered in terms of the actual development which for people wanting to get into the industry, is an incredibly fascinating tool, giving real insight into the problems and solutions that arise when creating videogames. Although Part 2 received much criticism from fans, the title is still one of the highest awarded in gaming history, with the studio of Naughty Dog constantly striving to advance what video games can be. Neil Druckman, president of Naughty Dog and writer of both The Last Of Us Part 1 and 2, gave incredible insight into the writing of such complex stories, but the one thing that may have fans the most excited is the allusion to the very first concepts for The Last Of Us Part 3 being teased.
Theres probably one more chapter in this story – Neil Druckman via Grounded 2
A big theme for the series second installment was the endless cycle of violence and vengeance, Druckman alluded to the idea that there’s more to be told after a life of seeking vengeance and attempting to let go of violence. The direct quote from Druckman goes as follows.
It’s always like, ‘we would love another Last of Us, but if you guys feel you’re passionate about something else, we’ll support this other thing.’ Very privileged position to be in, I never take that for granted. I’ve been just thinking about it, ‘is there a concept there?’ And for years, I haven’t been able to find that concept. But recently, that’s changed, and I don’t have a story, but I do have that concept that to me is as exciting as 1, as exciting as 2, is its own thing, and yet has this throughline for all three. So it does feel like there’s probably one more chapter to this story. – Neil Druckman via Grounded 2
Let the speculation begin. Many have begun speculating that we may look further into characters like Tommy, a brother hellbent on revenge despite himself having lost everything including his ability to walk properly, but in all honesty that just sounds like the second games story with a brotherly love aspect. If anything Tommy serves, and served as a warning to Ellie as to what could and did become of her. It would probably be more interesting to see a story of Abby and what her life may be like once being let go by Ellie and finding herself having to rebuild her faith in humanity. Or Naughty Dog could go the route of a completely new character. Whatever they may have in mind, its sure to be another groundbreaking story, that will elevate the videogame industry even higher than before.