The Release of The Last of Us Part II: Remastered Edition has not been officially announced but it is well known to have been in development. The original sequel to Naughty Dog’s blockbuster was originally released for the PS4 in 2020 and then later for the PS5. The franchise experienced a new fervor in 2023 with the release of the PC version along with HBO’s Emmy-nominated series. Meanwhile, some folks on the development team just cannot seem to stop letting it slip that a new project is in the works for the second game. The latest comes via Mark Pajarillo (Naughty Dog Lead Outsource Artist), who listed the game on their LinkedIn profile, but has since edited and removed it.
From VGC:
“Responsible for overseeing the production of all outsourced environment art assets, weapons and interactive props for two iconic titles The Last of Us: Part One and The Last of Us 2: Remastered,” reads his LinkedIn profile.”
Now Mark is not the only one to speak about their involvement with the release of The Last of Us Part II: Remastered Edition, or possibly an enhanced version of the game. It was only a few months ago that the second game’s composer, Gustavo Santaolalla said in an interview with BLENDER, that another version of the game was in the works. It was stated that Gustavo would make a cameo in it as a musician whom players could interact with for them to play various tracks.
Per Gustavo Santaolalla (via Vandal):
“Shortly after the interviewer’s statement, Santaolalla excitedly commented that a “new version” is being worked on in which players will be able to “make [him] play certain topics ,” but was quick to add that he did not have permission to reveal more information.”
Given the success of both PlayStation versions, along with the PC edition, and then combined with the popularity of the HBO show, it seems probable that Naughty Dog and Sony would be interested in capitalizing on releasing a new version of the second game. It too would be probable this is being done as part of a release for it on PC and also to help promote the 2nd season of the show. That just leaves the question of not it but when.