Naughty Dog has officially commenced its annual celebration of all things The Last of Us, marking September 26th as The Last of Us Day 2025. In a heartfelt message, the renowned PlayStation studio paid tribute to the franchise's passionate fanbase and the developers who brought its world to life. While this year's kickoff is light on major reveals, a tantalizing hint that it has been a "busy year" for the studio has sent the community's speculation into overdrive.
A Tradition of Survival and Celebration
Every year on September 26th—the date of the initial Cordyceps outbreak in the game's lore—fans and developers come together to celebrate the enduring legacy of The Last of Us. What began as "Outbreak Day" has since been rebranded to The Last of Us Day, evolving into a tradition that often includes new merchandise drops, behind-the-scenes content, and community showcases. It's a moment for Naughty Dog to connect with the players who have journeyed across a post-apocalyptic America with Joel and Ellie, and to acknowledge the profound impact the series has had on the gaming landscape.
In its opening message for the 2025 event, Naughty Dog stated, "We here at Naughty Dog are honored to celebrate The Last of Us Day 2025, our annual recognition of the franchise that has meant so much to you, our incredible fans, and the teams at Naughty Dog who have contributed to the series over the years." This familiar sentiment sets the stage, but it’s the follow-up that has captured everyone’s attention: "It’s been a busy year for The Last of Us…"
Deconstructing a "Busy Year"
That simple phrase, "a busy year," carries immense weight for a community hungry for news. What could this activity entail? The most recent major release was The Last of Us Part II Remastered for the PlayStation 5, which introduced the excellent roguelike survival mode, "No Return." The successful launch and positive reception of this mode certainly kept parts of the studio occupied. Furthermore, development and production on the second season of HBO's critically acclaimed television adaptation has been in full swing, a massive undertaking that, while not a game, is intrinsically linked to the franchise's current momentum and undoubtedly involves collaboration with Naughty Dog's leadership.
However, the past year also held the significant and public cancellation of the ambitious multiplayer project, once known as The Last of Us Online. The decision to cease development on the standalone title was a major event, and the work leading up to that point certainly constituted a "busy" period for the team involved. While disappointing for fans who awaited a new Factions-style experience, Naughty Dog's transparency about refocusing on its strengths in single-player, narrative-driven games was a pivotal moment for the studio's future.
What's Next on the Horizon?
With the multiplayer project officially shelved, speculation naturally turns to the franchise's next big chapter: a potential The Last of Us Part III. Studio head Neil Druckmann has been cautiously open about the subject in the past, suggesting that while a third part is not in active, full-scale production, ideas have been explored. He has emphasized that another game would only be made if they can conceive of a compelling story that honors the legacy of the first two. Could this "busy year" have included significant progress in the conceptual or pre-production phase for Ellie's next journey? It remains the community's most fervent hope.
For now, The Last of Us Day 2025 serves as a touchstone for the community. While we await concrete announcements, the day is a celebration of what already exists: two masterclass games, a brilliant TV adaptation, and a world that continues to resonate with millions. Fans can likely expect sales on the PlayStation Store, new apparel from PlayStation Gear, and spotlights on incredible fan creations. While the promise of a big reveal remains uncertain, Naughty Dog's subtle hint is enough to keep the embers of hope glowing brightly for the future of the franchise.