{"id":1130,"date":"2023-05-27T19:11:12","date_gmt":"2023-05-27T23:11:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/virlan.com\/game\/?p=1130"},"modified":"2023-05-27T19:11:13","modified_gmt":"2023-05-27T23:11:13","slug":"the-last-of-us-factions-was-delayed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/virlan.com\/game\/news\/the-last-of-us-factions-was-delayed\/","title":{"rendered":"The Last of Us Factions: Why the long-awaited multiplayer mode was delayed"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Last of Us Factions multiplayer mode was delayed.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s campaign maps.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0The studio revealed that Factions was still in development, but that it needed more time and had no release window in mind.<\/p>\n

What went wrong with Factions?<\/h2>\n

According to a report by Bloomberg\u2019s 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 \u201cgames as a service\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n

Bungie, which is known for creating successful live-service games such as Destiny and Halo, reportedly raised questions about Factions\u2019 ability to keep players engaged for a long period of time.\u00a0This led to a reassessment of the project by Sony and Naughty Dog.\u00a0Schreier also reported that Factions\u2019 team size has been scaled back after the evaluation, and that many of its developers have been moved to other projects.<\/p>\n

\"Last<\/p>\n

Another factor that may have contributed to Factions\u2019 delay is Naughty Dog\u2019s 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.\u00a0Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann said in January 2023 that they were done with Uncharted and were moving on to new things.<\/p>\n

Also read: Why PlayStation Showcase 2023 was disappointing<\/a><\/p>\n

What can we expect from Factions?<\/h2>\n

Despite the delay and the challenges, Naughty Dog assured fans that they are still committed to delivering Factions as a high-quality multiplayer experience.\u00a0The studio said that they are \u201cmaking great progress\u201d and that they are \u201cvery proud\u201d of what they have created so far. They also thanked fans for their patience and support.<\/p>\n

\"Last<\/p>\n

While Naughty Dog did not share any specifics about Factions\u2019 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:<\/p>\n