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The Last of Us making-of documentary now on YouTube
Grounded: The Making of The Last of Us, a documentary that chronicles the creation of Naughty Dog's post-pandemic PlayStation 3 action game, is now free to watch on YouTube. Previously available as an exclusive bonus for The Last of Us Season Pass buyers, Grounded tackles the game's development from pitch to release, explaining a number of design choices developer Naughty Dog made along the way. This week's YouTube release follows up on Grounded's recent launch on Amazon Instant Video. Fair warning: Grounded occasionally delves into spoiler territory, so you might want to hold off on watching it until after you've completed the game's single-player campaign. [Image: Sony]
The Last of Us Creative Director: '50/50' shot for sequel
Naughty Dog seemingly won everyone over last year (including Joystiq and the DICE Awards) with The Last of Us, its tale of survival in a clicker-ridden world. Its ending felt fairly conclusive, but in a recent discussion (which you should not explore if you're wary of spoilers for the game or DLC) on Reddit, a fan asked what the odds are for a future chance to visit The Last of Us' world once more. "If you're asking about a sequel ... right now I'd say it's 50/50," Creative Director Neil Druckmann responded. If that's not enough to rile people up, Game Director Bruce Straley teased in the same thread that the team is "working on the 3rd DLC drop for MP right now! ... and maybe something else ... we'll see." It's almost like they enjoy teasing fans! Of course, if you missed your date with "Left Behind," the game's Valentines Day dose of narrative DLC, that's an immediate opportunity to spend more time with Ellie. [Image: Sony]
The Last of Us documentary 'Grounded' now on Amazon Instant
Grounded: The Making of The Last of Us, the behind-the-scenes documentary chronicling the development of The Last of Us, is now available on Amazon Instant Video. The documentary follows developer Naughty Dog's creative process and provides insight into how the studio successfully cultivated a new IP following Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Formerly exclusive to The Last of Us season pass holders, this 85-minute feature is only available to Amazon users in the US right now, but Sony says it'll also be made available on the company's YouTube channel eventually. Grounded was produced by Area 5, the outfit formed by ex-1UPers in 2009. Area 5 has since produced I Am Street Fighter, a documentary on the community surrounding arguably the most popular fighting game franchise on the planet, and most recently successfully crowd-funded a six-episode series highlighting the culture of video games, called Outerlands. [Image: Naughty Dog]
The Last of Us 'Left Behind' review: Memories and motivations
The Last of Us "Left Behind" DLC refers to important moments in the main game's story. As such, this review may contain SPOILERS for The Last of Us. "Left Behind," the first and only piece of narrative downloadable content for The Last of Us, has a strange task ahead of itself. It attempts to tell an impactful story with an ending every player is assuredly already aware of, reaching into the past to tell the story of Ellie and her best friend Riley. Despite the knowledge of Riley's fate – we learned of her death in The Last of Us – I still found myself becoming hopeful for her future, wishing something magical would happen, that I could avert the tragedy. No such luck.
The Last of Us patch 1.06 goes live at 10 p.m. PT, enables Left Behind DLC
Gather your molotovs and modems, because according to a Naughty Dog tweet, The Last of Us patch 1.06 goes live tonight at 10 p.m. Pacific. The update is required for anyone wanting to play the game's story DLC, Left Behind, which comes out tomorrow. Patch 1.06 also tweaks much of the game's multiplayer, fixing spawn locations, lag issues, weapon balance and more. You can read the full list of notes on the official site. About the only thing it won't fix is your heart - Naughty Dog's post-apocalyptic universe is a bit short on warm, fuzzy feelings.
Naughty Dog pondering new IP and what comes after The Last of Us
Now that Naughty Dog has wrapped up "Left Behind," the first (and only) single-player DLC for The Last of Us, the studio is considering new game ideas. "We have started brainstorming some stuff. To be honest, some of them are sequel ideas, and some of them are brand new IP - we've spent the last few weeks brainstorming new IP," Neil Druckmann, creative director of The Last of Us, told Eurogamer. "So we have to get some good steps and see... It's kind of like how we approached Left Behind. Can we tell people a story that's really worth telling, and that's not repeating itself? And if we can't, where can we get inspired - what is something that's really going to challenge us, and push storytelling in this medium forward?" Druckmann's statements imply Naughty Dog is leaning more towards cultivating new ideas than pursuing a sequel to The Last of Us. Naughty Dog already has one confirmed sequel in development: the Santa Monica studio is working on a new Uncharted game for PS4. "Left Behind," a prequel chapter to The Last of Us campaign, is set to be released on Valentine's Day, February 14, for $14.99. The supplemental story follows Ellie and her best friend, Riley, who are both stuck in a military boarding school in the Boston quarantine zone. [Image: Naughty Dog]
The Last of Us scoops Writers Guild of America 2014 award
The Last of Us won this year's Writers Guild of America gong for Outstanding Achievement in Video Game Writing, in case Naughty Dog wasn't happy with its already creaking trophy cabinet. It's the right outcome out of a nominees list with some notable absentees. It's not the first time Naughty Dog has won it, with Uncharted 2 and 3 doing the same in 2010 and 2012. Of course, ND's zombie opera already got the only prize that matters - apart from the OMG Where's That Ladder Award, as previously won by Uncharted 2 and 3. [Image: Sony Computer Entertainment]
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No more single-player DLC planned for The Last of Us
The Last of Us looks to be getting just the one addition to its campaign, after Naughty Dog said it has no plans for further single-player DLC. We knew Left Behind was the only single-player addition of the three in the season pass, the first being the Abandoned Territories pack released in October, and the third previously confirmed as multiplayer too. "There's multiplayer DLC up next," Naughty Dog Community Strategist Eric Monacelli said on the PlayStation Blog, "We don't have any more single player DLC planned." So, beyond the season pass, it seems The Last of Us' gritty adventure is at an end - until a sequel comes along, right? Still, it's a shame to say goodbye to Naughty Dog's emotional story, one that pushed The Last of Us to the uber-honor of Joystiq Game of the Year 2013. Left Behind hopes to provide a loving send-off when it hits on Valentine's Day next month. The prequel delves into Ellie's past, showing her in a more playful light that actress Ashley Johnson described as "like a post-pandemic version of two teenage girls hanging out." According to the PS Store Left Behind is $15, but for just $5 more you can get the season pass that also covers Abandoned Territories and the next multiplayer DLC.
The Last of Us 'Left Behind' DLC opening cinematic riles up Ellie
The Last of Us won't be getting its first story DLC, "Left Behind," until Valentine's Day, but you can get a head-start now by checking out the opening cinematic. Knowing this world and how well things tend to turn out, Riley's return to Ellie's life can only mean good things, right? ... Right?
The Last of Us inspires fine fan-designed shirts
After scouring through nearly four hundred t-shirt designs, Naughty Dog has selected the winners for its The Last of Us-inspired We Love Fine fan art contest. The fan-made and fan- and judge-voted contest slimmed down selections to five winners, each with a unique take on Naughty Dog's award-winning game. The grand prize winner – a navy shirt featuring Ellie's silhouette – was selected by fans, the PlayStation Blog revealed today. The winning shirt was developed by graphic designer Brandon Meier, who walked away with $1160 in cash and a number of The Last of Us-based goodies as his award. Judges Troy Baker (voice of Joel), Ashley Johnson (voice of Ellie), Neil Druckmann (creative director) and Bruce Stranley (game director) selected runner-up winners and special prize category winners, culminating in a variety of designs that range from harrowing to adorable. Shirts are available for men and women in a variety of sizes for $25.
The Last of Us 'Left Behind' will show a more playful side of Ellie
Players will have an opportunity to meet "the real" Ellie in "Left Behind," the upcoming single-player DLC for The Last of Us, actor Ashley Johnson promises. The actor, whose stirring portrayal as a survivor in Naughty Dog's latest game left a colossal impression on critics, told the PlayStation Blog that the prequel will reveal more of Ellie's past and show her in a softer light as she interacts with her similarly-aged friend Riley. "It's definitely different. It's a little bit more 'fun,' because you have two teenage girls going through a mall. It's kind of like a post-pandemic version of two teenage girls hanging out. Definitely not a normal hangout! It's very different - a little more playful," Johnson says. "I loved the idea that it was kind of a prequel, and you'd meet a younger Ellie and find out what makes her tick." Johnson says that her return as Ellie was somewhat of a role reversal in studio as the veteran cast member with motion capture experience, acting as support for actor Yaani King as Troy Baker had when The Last of Us began production. "I was so used to working with Troy and I think a lot of my confidence and comfort on set came from him because he's such a pro," she reveals, adding that her new role as mentor and Baker's absence may have helped her performance portraying a "younger version of Ellie who has her own insecurities as a teenage girl." A first look trailer for "Left Behind" can be found after the break, courtesy of IGN. Make sure to read Joystiq's "Best of 2013" feature, which handed top honors to The Last of Us.
Joystiq Top 10 of 2013: The Last of Us
Team Joystiq is barging into 2014 with a celebration of last year's best games. Keep reading throughout the week to see our assembly of ingenious indies and triple-A triumphs. There's a certain dulling of expectations every time the next big-huge blockbuster game comes together. We've grown accustomed to the tradeoffs inherent in a product that grows and grows until it fits the proportions of cinema, having shaken off its boldest facets to safely stand a chance of earning a wide audience – and enough money to pay for that beautifully rendered jumble of furniture blocking the top of a stairway, not meant to be explored. How could a game like The Last of Us overcome those barriers? It doesn't, not always, but it pushes harder than you expect.
The Last of Us survivor makes GLAAD intriguing LGBT characters of 2013 list
GLAAD, a media monitoring organization promoting LGBT imagery, has recognized Naughty Dog's The Last of Us for introducing a complex gay character to its to its post-apocalyptic narrative. "[Bill is] an unstable loner in the town of Lincoln with a talent for fixing things. Through dialogue and backstory, the player learns that Bill once had a partner named Frank who he loved, but the plague drove them apart and led Frank to a bitter end," notes GLAAD in its list featuring characters form other mediums. "Both helpful and contentious, Bill is as deeply flawed but wholly unique a gay character found in any storytelling medium this year." Other instances of LGBT characters in 2013 included a plot line in Gone Home, a playable character in State of Decay and ... well, there is a debate to be had about Animal Crossing: New Leaf's Gracie the Giraffe – a male character in the Japanese game, who is designated female everywhere else.
PS Europe closes Christmas sale with The Last of Us, Persona 4 Golden
PlayStation Europe saved the best til The Last of Us, ending its 12 Deals of Christmas sale with Naughty Dog's PS3 apoco-sim and the Vita delight that is Persona 4 Golden. The enhanced Atlus JRPG goes down to £15 (€20/AU$25), while Joel and Ellie's feel-good adventure for the holidays is just £20 (€30/AU$40). If you want, you can go all in on The Last of Us by chucking in the season pass; the game and pass bundled together are priced £30 (€37.49/AU$55.47). The pass grants access to three major DLC packs, including the already released Abandoned Territories map pack for multiplayer, and the Left Behind single-player prequel episode which is due in 2014. Two things to add: Firstly, there's an extra holiday bonus for PS Plus subscribers, 'cos they get a further 10 percent off all those prices. Second, the deals are active for 48 hours, so you have until the end of tomorrow to ensure you're a happy camper come Christmas Day.
Lego The Last of Us video proves someone needs to make this game
Some properties are a bit too mature for it, but you still know they'd be great for the Lego game treatment. Animator Brian Anderson is a going a long way to proving that, following up his Lego Breaking Bad video with one for gritty PS3 hit The Last of Us. While we're at it, if you've not checked out Anderson's Bluthfighter video, you really should. It's as Ann as the nose on Plain's face that someone should be making these games.
And the VGX 2013 winners are ...
The winners of the 2013 Spike VGX awards have been announced, and we've got them all compiled here for your viewing pleasure. Waiting to see who took home Best Studio, Best Character, Game of the Year and more? Well wait no more! Envelope, please. These are the winners that were announced during the VGX 2013 awards show: Best Action Adventure Game: Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Best Sports Game: NBA 2K14 Best Indie Game: Gone Home Best Shooter: Bioshock Infinite Studio of the Year: Naughty Dog Game of the Year: Grand Theft Auto 5 Of course, there are many, many more awards to be won, and many more monkeys to be handed out. If you want to see the full list of winners for every category, check out the official site of VGX 2013.
Naughty Dog replica craftsman crowdfunds support in fight against stage two pancreatic cancer
David Vigil is a leathersmith and owner of That Vigilante, where he sells replicas of gear seen in Naughty Dog games. Nathan Drake's belt buckle, holster and wristband from the Uncharted series are all available, as is Joel's backpack from The Last of Us. Vigil is also asking for the community's financial help on GoFundMe as he battles stage two pancreatic cancer. The fundraising campaign's deadline is November 18, with a goal of $47,000. At the time of writing, the amount raised is just shy of $9,500. This is the second time Vigil has faced cancer, and the second time he has turned to crowdfunding for help. Last year, he raised $26,464 on Indiegogo. Vigil is offering up his work as reward incentives as well; for $500, backers will receive one of every product available on That Vigilante. Should funding fail to reach the full $47,000 goal, Vigil will still get to keep whatever funds have been raised.
New Uncharted announced for PS4
Naughty Dog is developing a new Uncharted game for the PlayStation 4, the developer revealed this evening during Spike's PS4 launch event. Update: The revealing trailer features a brooding monologue from a character that clearly feels he was betrayed in the past. In a tweet following the presentation, Naughty Dog Creative Director Amy Hennig revealed that the voice belongs to Todd Stashwick (The Riches, Heroes).
The Last of Us DLC, 'Left Behind,' coming soon [Update: trailer, early 2014]
During tonight's PlayStation All Access event on Spike, Naughty Dog co-founder Evan Wells revealed a brief teaser trailer for "Left Behind," the upcoming prequel DLC episode for The Last of Us. The DLC will focus on Ellie's life before Joel, when she was palling around with her friend RIley, played by actress Yaani King. Update: The PlayStation Blog confirms Left Behind is a single-player DLC campaign - Naughty Dog's first single-player DLC, amazingly - and that it's due in "early 2014." Left Behind is included in the game's season pass, but Naughty Dogs says, "If you're only interested in the single-player DLC, you can pre-order it starting November 19 on the PlayStation Store for $14.99."
Celebrate two years of Uncharted 3 with free multiplayer DLC
Instead of requesting gifts for the second anniversary of the Uncharted 3 launch, developer Naughty Dog has decided to reward players by making each of the game's multiplayer map packs available for free. Pay a visit to the PlayStation Network store and you'll find that the three DLC map packs released for Uncharted 3 now feature zero-dollar price tags. Naughty Dog has also reduced the price of a number of multiplayer items found on the PlayStation Network, though that part of the deal will expire on November 4. While this celebration is meant to send the game into retirement with a bang, there is still one more piece of content headed for Uncharted 3. The next time you fire up the game, your PlayStation 3 will download a patch that includes the new "Dry Docks" multiplayer map, as well as numerous balance changes, all of which have been helpfully outlined on the developer's website.
