Naughty Dog’s latest statements suggest the studio may be moving on from The Last of Us series. Dive into the details about the franchise’s future and Naughty Dog’s current projects.

The Last of Us May Not See a Third Installment

Naughty Dog Signals Potential End to the Series

The Last of Us (TLOU) might not get a third chapter, potentially marking The Last of Us Part II as the conclusion of the acclaimed post-apocalyptic saga. In a March 5, 2025, interview with Variety, Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann addressed speculation about a possible The Last of Us Part III.

Druckmann stated, “I’d caution against expecting more from The Last of Us. This might be the end.” His comments cast doubt on the franchise’s continuation in gaming, as Naughty Dog shifts focus to expanding the TV series.

Reflecting on sequel development, Druckmann told IGN at the DICE Summit 2025 that he avoids planning multiple games at once. “Focusing on a sequel while making the first game feels like tempting fate,” he said. “While working on The Last of Us Part II, occasional ideas for a follow-up came up, but my approach is to assume it’s the only shot we get. I put every great idea into the current project, not saving anything for later.”

This suggests TLOU may not see further video game sequels, especially given the conclusive tone of Part II’s story. However, fans can look forward to the second season of The Last of Us TV series, set to premiere on April 13, 2025.

Naughty Dog Explores a New Sci-Fi Project

While TLOU’s gaming future remains uncertain, Naughty Dog is developing a fresh intellectual property. At The Game Awards 2024, the studio unveiled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a PlayStation 5 title with a sci-fi narrative.

A brief teaser trailer highlighted the game’s futuristic aesthetic. According to the project’s official website, development began in 2020, promising Naughty Dog’s most ambitious and imaginative story yet. Details remain scarce since the initial reveal.

The Last of Us Online Scrapped for Intergalactic

Naughty Dog previously canceled The Last of Us Online to prioritize single-player experiences, hinting at a new project. The announcement of Intergalactic confirmed this was the focus.

In a February 19, 2025, interview on the Sacred Symbols+ podcast, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida explained that the decision to halt TLOU Online stemmed from resource constraints. Bungie, known for Destiny, advised Sony that live-service games demand long-term maintenance.

Yoshida remarked, “Naughty Dog was passionate about The Last of Us Online, but Bungie highlighted the challenges of sustaining live-service games. Naughty Dog realized they couldn’t pursue it without sacrificing Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. It was a tough but necessary call.”

With Druckmann’s comments and the cancellation of TLOU Online, Naughty Dog appears to be stepping away from the franchise for now. Fans can still anticipate The Last of Us Part II Remastered, launching on PC April 3, 2025. For the latest updates on the remaster, check out our detailed coverage below!