The Development & Release History of The Last of Us (Part 2)

Read Part 1 - The Legacy of The Last of Us – Why It’s One of PlayStation’s Greatest Franchises - here

How It All Began

In 2009, following the success of Uncharted 2, Naughty Dog split into two teams. One team began working on a new concept led by creative director Neil Druckmann and game director Bruce Straley. What started as a personal story idea from Druckmann evolved into The Last of Us — a game that would revolutionise narrative-driven experiences.

Drawing inspiration from games like Ico, Resident Evil 4, and movies such as The Road, Druckmann aimed to merge cinematic storytelling with immersive gameplay. Naughty Dog’s development philosophy focused on grounding the player in an emotionally charged, morally complex world.

Timeline of Releases

Here’s a breakdown of all major releases in The Last of Us franchise:

1. The Last of Us (2013)

• Platform: PlayStation 3
• Release Date: June 14, 2013

The original game introduced players to Joel and Ellie, set against the backdrop of a world devastated by a fungal outbreak. It received critical acclaim and sold over 17 million copies worldwide.

2. The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014)

• Platform: PlayStation 3 (later PS4)
• Release Date: February 14, 2014

A short single-player DLC telling Ellie’s backstory and her relationship with her best friend, Riley. It was praised for its emotional storytelling and was later sold as a standalone title.

3. The Last of Us Remastered (2014)

• Platform: PlayStation 4
• Release Date: July 29, 2014

An upgraded version of the original game with enhanced graphics, 60fps gameplay, and included the Left BehindDLC. This edition introduced the game to a new generation of players.

4. The Last of Us Part II (2020)

• Platform: PlayStation 4
• Release Date: June 19, 2020

A direct sequel set five years after the original. Players control both Ellie and a new character, Abby, in a dual narrative exploring the cost of revenge. The game was divisive among fans but critically celebrated, winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2020.

5. The Last of Us Part I (2022)

• Platform: PlayStation 5, later PC
• Release Date: September 2, 2022 (PS5)

A full remake of the 2013 original built on Part II’s engine. It featured modern visuals, improved AI, better accessibility, and next-gen performance.

Beyond the Console

The franchise’s impact extended beyond gaming:

• Comics: The Last of Us: American Dreams (2013) explored Ellie’s early days and her connection to the Fireflies.
• Live Performances: One Night Live in 2014 featured the voice cast performing scenes live with a live orchestra.
• TV Adaptation: HBO’s The Last of Us series debuted in January 2023, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The show was a massive hit and introduced the story to a broader audience, earning critical acclaim and boosting game sales.

Stay tuned for Part 3: Exploring the Story & Characters of The Last of Us Franchise, where we’ll dive into the emotional journeys of Joel, Ellie, and the unforgettable cast that makes this series legendary.