It’s no longer just movies and television shows that are getting delayed, but video games now too. Developer Naughty Dog and The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann announced today the highly anticipated sequel The Last of Us Part II has now been delayed indefinitely due to logistical reasons as the health crisis deepens.
The Last of Us Part II was already delayed to May 29, 2020 after originally having a February release date. The latest delay comes as Naughty Dog is finishing up development of the game, but also amid markets worldwide getting closed down and affecting shipping, preventing the company from launching the game the way they wish.
“The good news is, we’re nearly done with development of The Last of Us Part II,” Naughty Dog said. “However, even with us finishing the game, we were faced with the reality that due to logistics beyond our control, we couldn’t launch The Last of Us Part II to our satisfaction. We want to make sure everyone gets to play The Last of Us Part II around the same time, ensuring that we’re doing everything possible to preserve the best experience for everyone. This meant delaying the game until such a time where we can solve these logistic issues.”
You can read their full statement below via Twitter:
A message from us about the delay of The Last of Us Part II: pic.twitter.com/aGsSRfmJ8a
— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) April 2, 2020
Druckmann shared the statement and added one of his own, saying “Extremely sad to deliver this news to y’all. Ultimately, the situation is out of our control. We hope you understand. Stay safe out there.”
Extremely sad to deliver this news to y’all. Ultimately, the situation is out of our control. We hope you understand. Stay safe out there. ❤️ https://t.co/fqvp6sraX6
— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) April 2, 2020
This also likely means development on The Last of Us TV series for HBO will be delayed as well since the series’ creator and co-writer Craig Mazin said last month they would not enter full production until the second game had shipped.
In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie is now 19 and has found a semblance of peace and normality living in Jackson. She’s had a chance to be a teenager and forge lasting relationships. When that peace is disrupted by a violent act, Ellie is thrust into a brutal journey of retribution, fueled by a need to bring those that have wronged her to justice, pushing her to her very limits. From the way Ellie plays to the way she navigates through this hostile world, you’re going to feel her physical, emotional, and mental state expressed through every facet of gameplay.
Ricky Church – Follow me on Twitter for more movie news and nerd talk.
