The Last of Us Factions: Why the long-awaited multiplayer mode was delayed

The Last of Us Factions multiplayer mode was delayed.

The Last of Us is one of the most acclaimed video game franchises of all time, with its gripping story, immersive gameplay and stunning visuals. The first game, released in 2013, introduced players to the post-apocalyptic world of Joel and Ellie, two survivors of a fungal pandemic that turned most of humanity into zombie-like creatures. The game also featured a multiplayer mode called Factions, which allowed up to eight players to compete in various modes on reworked portions of the game’s campaign maps.

Factions was well-received by fans and critics alike, who praised its tactical and stealthy gameplay, its customization options and its integration with the game’s narrative. Many players hoped that the sequel, The Last of Us Part 2, which launched in 2020, would also include a multiplayer mode. However, Naughty Dog, the developer of the series, announced that Factions would not be part of The Last of Us Part 2, but instead would be developed as a standalone project with a larger scope and ambition.

Since then, fans have been eagerly waiting for any news or updates on Factions, which has been rumored to release sometime in 2023. However, after more than two years of silence, Naughty Dog finally broke their silence on May 26, 2023, with a statement that disappointed many fans. The studio revealed that Factions was still in development, but that it needed more time and had no release window in mind.

What went wrong with Factions?

According to a report by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, Factions has been facing several challenges and setbacks since its inception. The report claims that Sony, the publisher of the series, has been investing heavily in “games as a service”, or video games designed to be monetized beyond their initial sales through ongoing purchases. As part of this strategy, Sony asked another of its video game studios, Seattle-based Bungie, to evaluate the games across its portfolio.

Bungie, which is known for creating successful live-service games such as Destiny and Halo, reportedly raised questions about Factions’ ability to keep players engaged for a long period of time. This led to a reassessment of the project by Sony and Naughty Dog. Schreier also reported that Factions’ team size has been scaled back after the evaluation, and that many of its developers have been moved to other projects.

Another factor that may have contributed to Factions’ delay is Naughty Dog’s focus on other games in development, including a new single-player experience. While the studio did not reveal any details about this new game, some speculate that it could be a new IP or a spin-off from The Last of Us or Uncharted franchises. Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann said in January 2023 that they were done with Uncharted and were moving on to new things.

Also read: Why PlayStation Showcase 2023 was disappointing

What can we expect from Factions?

Despite the delay and the challenges, Naughty Dog assured fans that they are still committed to delivering Factions as a high-quality multiplayer experience. The studio said that they are “making great progress” and that they are “very proud” of what they have created so far. They also thanked fans for their patience and support.

While Naughty Dog did not share any specifics about Factions’ gameplay or features, some leaks and rumors have suggested what it could look like. According to a video posted by YouTuber The Irish Gamer in September 2020, Factions could feature:

• A large open-world map with dynamic weather and day-night cycles
• A survival mode where players have to scavenge for resources and craft items
• A base-building system where players can customize their own settlements
• A faction system where players can join different groups with different objectives and perks
• A character creation system where players can choose their appearance and skills
• A progression system where players can level up and unlock new weapons and abilities
• A variety of modes such as deathmatch, capture the flag and co-op missions

Of course, these are all unconfirmed rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt. However, they do indicate that Factions could be a very ambitious and expansive multiplayer game that could rival other popular titles in the genre.

Will Factions ever see the light of day?

The delay of Factions has left many fans frustrated and disappointed. Some have even lost hope that the game will ever be released. However, there are also some reasons to be optimistic about Factions’ future.

First of all, Naughty Dog is one of the most respected and talented studios in the industry. They have a track record of delivering critically acclaimed games that push the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. They are also known for their passion and dedication to their projects. Therefore, it is likely that they are working hard to make Factions as good as possible.

Secondly, Factions has a loyal fan base that is eager to play it. The Last of Us is one of Sony’s most successful franchises, with millions of fans around the world. The demand for Factions is high, and Sony knows it. Therefore, it is unlikely that Sony would cancel or abandon such a potentially lucrative game.

Thirdly, Factions has a unique premise and setting that sets it apart from other multiplayer games. The Last of Us’ world is rich with lore and atmosphere. It offers a lot of opportunities for creative and immersive gameplay. Factions could offer players a different kind of multiplayer experience that is not available elsewhere.

Therefore, while Factions may not be coming any time soon, it is not impossible that it will eventually come out. Fans will have to wait patiently for more news and updates from Naughty Dog. In the meantime, they can replay The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part 2 or watch the HBO adaptation starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

Factions may be delayed, but it is not dead.

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