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Last of Us Multiplayer Canceled Despite 80% Completion

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Vinit Agarwal, former Naughty Dog game director, said The Last of Us multiplayer spinoff was 80% complete when canceled in 2023.
He said the early momentum came from increased online-gaming investment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After player engagement declined post-pandemic, Sony shifted to single-player titles, leading to the cancellation.
Agarwal described the cancellation as "soul crushing" after seven years and left Naughty Dog to found a studio in Japan.

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Story summary

Vinit Agarwal, former Naughty Dog game director, said The Last of Us multiplayer spinoff was 80% complete when canceled in 2023.
He said the early momentum came from increased online-gaming investment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After player engagement declined post-pandemic, Sony shifted to single-player titles, leading to the cancellation.
Agarwal described the cancellation as "soul crushing" after seven years and left Naughty Dog to found a studio in Japan.