Naughty Dog has revealed that the team were divided over how to conclude its critically-acclaimed adventure title, The Last of Us.
The game’s creative director, Neil Druckmann, revealed during a Reddit AMA that Joel and Ellie’s post-apocalyptic quest for survival originally had a much more upbeat ending sequence.
“Ellie and Joel were driving completely contented and satisfied with their adventures off into the glorious sunset,” said Bruce Straley, game director on The Last of Us. “But that didn’t feel right.”
"It just wasn’t honest to the world or the characters we created. This ending," he said of the final result, "felt right for us… [Naughty Dog had] about three or four ideas before finding the ending that worked best for the story we wanted to tell."
However, Druckmann added “it didn’t sit well with some members of the team. Once it was more fleshed out, it became an easier sell.”
Elsewhere, the team confirmed that details on The Last of Us’ first batch of post-launch content will be revealed later this month. Straley also let slip that the single-player expansion will contain some familiar faces, but wouldn’t elaborate any further.
Were you happy with the ending to The Last of Us? What returning characters would you like to see appear in the forthcoming DLC? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.