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Should the last of us become an expanded universe like resident evil?

Should The Last of Us Expand Like Resident Evil? | Fans Weigh In

By

Liam O'Sullivan

Jul 2, 2025, 11:55 AM

Edited By

David Brown

3 minutes of duration

A scene depicting characters from The Last of Us exploring a post-apocalyptic city with overgrown vegetation.
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A lively debate has erupted in online gaming forums over whether The Last of Us should expand into a broader universe akin to Resident Evil. Fans are split on this idea following revelations and new character introductions in the sequel.

Context Behind the Conversation

Following the introduction of new main characters in The Last of Us Part II, many are speculating about the potential for future storytelling. Some believe opening up the universe could revitalize interest while others fear it may tarnish the franchise's legacy.

Key Themes from Gamers

Fans expressed three main ideas regarding an expanded universe:

  1. Character Preservation: Many believe the franchise was tarnished with the developments surrounding beloved characters like Joel, Ellie, and Tommy. "They should have done that before they ruined Joel, Ellie, and Tommy. Now I just canโ€™t bring myself to care"

  2. New Stories: Some think that the sequel could have been a platform for different stories set in the same universe. "Thatโ€™s what TLOU2 should have been. A new story with different charactersโ€ฆ"

  3. Creative Direction: There are calls for a shake-up in writers to re-energize the series. Comments like, "Naughty Dog would have to get Neil out of the writing" highlight doubts over current creative leadership.

"Sure. Could be interesting." - Positive yet cautious sentiment in discussions.

Community Sentiment

Overall, comments reflected a mix of skepticism and hope. Some feel the franchise should remain untouched, citing the first game as perfect. Others view potential expansion positively, sparking curiosity but with caution regarding execution.

Quick Takeaways

๐Ÿ”น A significant portion of players desire new stories but worry about character integrity.

๐Ÿ”น Many prefer to avoid further installments that could degrade the franchise.

๐Ÿ”ธ "This could have been an interesting idea However, I doubt that would happen." - Common sentiment on potential expansion.

Future of The Last of Us

As discussions continue, fans await Naughty Dog's next move. Will they embrace a wider narrative territory or focus on refining existing storylines? This question looms large in the gaming community as anticipation builds.

Curiously, the past year has seen a wave of mixed reactions to new game releases, especially sequels. Only time will tell if The Last of Us can navigate these challenges successfully, balancing new content with cherished character legacies.

Anticipating Changes in the Game Universe

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Naughty Dog will explore an expanded universe for The Last of Us, particularly given the fans' interest in fresh stories and characters. The success of similar franchises like Resident Evil has shown that expanding the narrative can reinvigorate interest. Experts estimate that thereโ€™s a 60% probability weโ€™ll see new game announcements or spin-offs within the next two years. This strategy could help retain fans while balancing the legacy of beloved characters. Yet, the challenge will lie in executing these expansions without alienating the core audience that cherishes the original storyline.

Drawing Parallels to Historical Expansions

The situation bears a resemblance to the evolution of the Star Wars franchise after the original trilogy. Those early films expanded into novels, comics, and animated series, often branching out into new territories that delighted some fans while disheartening others who preferred the original storyline's purity. Similar to what is happening now with The Last of Us, Star Wars had to carefully navigate the balance between expanding the universe and preserving core character legacies. The history of Star Wars serves as a signpost for Naughty Dog, reminding them how vital it is to listen to community sentiment while innovating creatively.