The Last of Us Multiplayer Project Still in Development Assures Naughty Dog Game Director

Last month, it was reported that The Last of Us multiplayer project had been put on “ice” due to layoffs. While Naughty Dog didn’t acknowledge anything about it then, we have finally received an update from the game’s director, assuring that they’re still working on the project.

Naughty Dog’s Game Director Vinit Agarwal took to X to celebrate his accomplishment of beating Super Mario Bros Wonder. Though that seems unrelated to The Last of Us multiplayer project, this celebration was also accompanied by confirmation that he was still “working on that game.”

I did it! Wow that was hard, easily 300+ Marios dead in the process.

And so this tweet can live on in peace… yes, I’m still working on that game. pic.twitter.com/a5Avx9Xl8H
— Vinit Agarwal (@vinixkun) November 4, 2023

It’s not much, but it is something. The last time we heard any official word on the project from Naughty Dog was back in May, when the team addressed the game’s absence from showcases, saying that it needed more time in development before it could be shown off.
Since then, multiple reports have surfaced indicating trouble at the studio and for the project. At one point, it was claimed that the project was dead, though with this statement from the game director, that now seems unlikely.
Fingers crossed that Naughty Dog has a significant update coming for the project, as it’s been over a year since it was first announced, with only concept art released for it. We’re doubtful, but perhaps it’ll reappear at this year’s The Game Awards show. Let us hope, as PlayStation’s first-party offering is looking pretty light for 2024.