Few mainstream video games have generated a cult following like The Last of Us. With a legion of devoted followers and the idea that it is an author’s work, both installments are considered essential works in the world of video games. This has led to a very serious critical treatment of both games, leaving little room for analysis. Except for the fact that their own developers can always speak about it, shedding light on places we didn’t even know existed.
Grounded II is a documentary about the development of The Last of Us Part II that was released on February 3rd. Since then, it has already surpassed 750,000 views. Quite an achievement for a two-hour documentary that covers all aspects of the development and is not afraid to give voice to all the key players involved. Some of them provide details that we could have never imagined.
According to the game’s lead designer, Emilia Schatz, as mentioned in the documentary, during the first four months of development, the game took inspiration from the most unexpected game we could think of: Bloodborne. Their idea was to create a world similar to Bloodborne, where the city of Yharnam is practically a character in itself, and where the space becomes larger as you explore. According to Anthony Newman, the game’s co-director, this approach was also inspired by Bloodborne, with a special emphasis on melee combat. However, this idea was almost completely discarded as it was considered not to work for The Last of Us.
All of this has been somewhat overshadowed by one of the most striking details of the documentary: the possibility of a The Last of Us Part 3. Neil Druckmann, director and creator of the franchise, has confirmed in this documentary that while he doesn’t have a story, recent events have given him an idea of how he could continue what he has done so far. This doesn’t mean he will do it, but it’s on the table.
The future of The Last of Us is up in the air. The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered was released on January 19th for PlayStation 5, adding previously discarded content, as well as new game modes.
