The multiplayer iteration of The Last of Us has been officially cancelled. Developer Naughty Dog announced in a recent blog post that work on the online experience, referred to as ‘The Last of Us Online,’ has ceased. This development follows a brief period in which game director Vinit Agarwal reassured fans that the project was still active, despite facing challenges that included the layoff of 25 staff members. Live-service games require extensive post-launch content to succeed, a shift from Naughty Dog’s expertise in crafting engaging single-player narratives.
According to the blog, the multiplayer team had been in pre-production since their work on The Last of Us Part II, designing what they believed would be a unique experience with significant potential. The post noted, “As the multiplayer team iterated on their concept for The Last of Us Online during this time, their vision crystalized, the gameplay got more refined and satisfying, and we were enthusiastic about the direction in which we were headed.” Ultimately, however, Naughty Dog opted to focus on its strengths in storytelling rather than pursue a live-service model, citing the studio’s intention to develop multiple projects, including what is speculated to be The Last of Us Part III.
This decision aligns with reports from May indicating that development on The Last of Us Online was being reduced to evaluate its quality and long-term prospects. Following a review of its live-service strategy by Bungie, the makers of Destiny, concerns were raised regarding the multiplayer’s potential to retain players. Notably, no gameplay footage was released, with the only public information being an announcement during the Summer Game Fest 2022 and some concept art depicting the disease-ridden world, reminiscent of San Francisco, which was to feature new NPCs outside the main storyline. Originally intended as an additional mode for The Last of Us Part II, it was later developed into a standalone project with high hopes.
In a related development, Sony reduced its planned launches of live-service games from 12 to 6 by March 2026, although it remains unclear if this count included The Last of Us Online. Meanwhile, fans of The Last of Us Part II can look forward to a remaster set for release on January 19, which will feature enhancements for the PS5 and introduce a roguelite mode that pits players against randomized encounters with survivors and the infected, allowing them to play as iconic characters such as Joel, Ellie, and Abby.
