The Last of Us Part 3 Isn't Coming, Claims Naughty Dog President
Naughty Dog’s recent comments suggest the Last of Us video game saga may be over. Read on to learn about the future of The Last of Us and Naughty Dog's current projects.
The Last of Us: No More Sequels?
Naughty Dog's Stance
The Last of Us Part II might be the final chapter in the acclaimed post-apocalyptic zombie series. In a March 5, 2025 interview with Variety, Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann hinted at the possibility of no further sequels, stating, "I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of ‘Last of Us.’ This could be it." This statement casts doubt on the future of the TLOU game franchise, as Naughty Dog shifts focus towards its TV series.
Druckmann previously expressed his approach to sequels in an interview with IGN at the DICE Summit 2025. He explained that he avoids focusing on sequels while developing the initial game, preferring to treat each project as potentially standalone. He stated, "I think you're jinxing yourself if you're starting to think about the sequel when you're working on the first game...I'm not saving some idea for the future. If there's a cool idea, I'm doing my best to get it into here." Given The Last of Us Part II’s relatively conclusive ending, this approach lends credence to the idea that there won't be another game in the series. Fans can still anticipate the upcoming Season 2 of the The Last of Us TV series, premiering April 13, 2025.
A New IP on the Horizon
While the future of The Last of Us games remains uncertain, Naughty Dog is actively developing a new intellectual property. At The Game Awards 2024, they announced Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet for PlayStation 5, unveiling a short teaser trailer showcasing its sci-fi setting. According to the game's official website, development began in 2020, promising a unique and imaginative narrative. Further details about the game are yet to be released.
The Cancellation of The Last of Us Online
The cancellation of The Last of Us Online paved the way for Intergalactic. In a February 19, 2025 interview with the Sacred Symbols+ podcast, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida revealed that the online project was discontinued to prioritize the development of Intergalactic. He cited advice from Bungie, highlighting the significant commitment required for successful live-service games. Yoshida stated, "The idea for The Last of Us Online came from Naughty Dog and they really wanted to make it. But Bungie explained what it takes to make live-service games, and Naughty Dog realized, 'Oops, we can't do that! If we do it, we can't make Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. So that was a lack of foresight."
Druckmann's statements, coupled with the cancellation of The Last of Us Online, strongly suggest Naughty Dog's current focus lies elsewhere. However, fans can look forward to the upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on April 3, 2025. For the latest updates on The Last of Us Part II Remastered, [ttpp]check out our dedicated article!