Naughty Dog President Signals No Plans for The Last of Us Part 3

Naughty Dog’s leadership has hinted that the acclaimed The Last of Us series may not see another chapter. Dive into the latest updates on the franchise’s future and Naughty Dog’s upcoming projects.

The Last of Us May Not See a Third Installment

Naughty Dog Suggests the Series Could Conclude

The Last of Us (TLOU) might not receive a third game, potentially marking The Last of Us Part II as the final chapter of the iconic 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 3.

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 future 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 simultaneously. He explained, “You’re tempting fate if you think about a sequel while working on the first game. While making The Last of Us Part II, occasional ideas for a follow-up came up, but I focus on the present project as if it’s the only one. I pour every great idea into the current game, not saving anything for later.”

This approach suggests that The Last of Us Part II’s conclusive ending may close the door on further video game sequels. 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 Venture

While The Last of Us may not continue as a game, Naughty Dog is developing a fresh intellectual property. At The Game Awards 2024, the studio unveiled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet for the PlayStation 5.

A teaser trailer highlighted the game’s sci-fi aesthetic. According to the official website, development began in 2020, promising Naughty Dog’s most ambitious and imaginative narrative yet. Further details about the project remain scarce.

The Last of Us Online Shelved for Intergalactic

Reports previously confirmed that The Last of Us Online was scrapped as Naughty Dog prioritized single-player experiences. The studio hinted at a new project, now revealed as Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

In a February 19, 2025, interview on the Sacred Symbols+ podcast, former Sony Interactive Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida shared that the cancellation of TLOU Online paved the way for Intergalactic’s development. Yoshida explained that Bungie, creators of Destiny, advised Sony on the demands of live-service games, emphasizing the need for 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, and Naughty Dog realized they couldn’t pursue it without sacrificing Intergalactic.”

With Druckmann’s remarks 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 on April 3, 2025. Stay tuned for updates on this release!