Recent comments from industry figures have reignited speculation about the future of The Last of Us: Part III–even though no official confirmation has been made. Neil Druckmann, a key creative force behind the series at Naughty Dog, recently made some quizzical remarks that were enough to keep hopes alive. Now, new insights from a former studio lead suggest that something may indeed be happening behind the scenes–though details remain tightly guarded.
Speaking on the Lance E Lee Podcast (via GamesRadar) former Naughty Dog game director Vinit Agarwal reflected on his time at the studio, including his work on The Last of Us Online. After spending seven years developing the multiplayer project before its cancellation, Agarwal revealed that he transitioned to directing another “future game” within the company, where he remained for an additional year. While he ultimately left to pursue a new venture, his comments confirm that development on at least one other major title was underway during his final period at the studio.
Notably, Agarwal distinguished this mystery project from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which he explicitly referred to as “Neil’s game.” This distinction has fueled speculation that the unnamed project could be something entirely separate–possibly even tied to the The Last of Us universe. Back in 2023, Naughty Dog stated that multiple large-scale single-player games were in development following the cancellation of its multiplayer title, and Druckmann later reiterated that more than one project was in progress.
While it remains unconfirmed whether one of these projects is The Last of Us: Part III, the possibility is far from dismissed. Naughty Dog has acknowledged that an outline for a third installment exists, even if its production is not guaranteed, but fans continue to speculate–and hope–that a return to Ellie’s story could eventually materialize. For now, however, the studio’s future plans remain largely under wraps.