The Last of Us: Naughty Dog flat-out refused to put Ellie on back of the box art

GC: Naughty Dog has once again shown why they are treated with such respect around the gaming world.

[jc48573]

a big fat slap to mika from all women

[SilentNegotiator]

"instantly turned off" if see a girl? LAWL

[medziarz]

so then hating on a person with a different opinion aside, why was ND pressured to change the cover?
is Mr Shuhei Yoshida sexist or has he been reading the statistics? ;P

[TheOneWhoIsTornApart]

That was completely disrespectful to Ken Levine. They have 100% faith in Elizabeth

[BanBrother]

It did come across as a bit disrespectful. More like differing opinions. I respect both Irrational and Naughty Dogs position.

At then end of the day, 2K are a big publisher, just like EA,ACTI,UBI etc, so they (Irrational) have less of a opinion on what should go on the cover. Sony usually let the developers decide (thankfully), so now we get to see one of the main characters (Ellie) on the front.

I didn't hate the cover for Infinite, it looked nice. It's just the fact that they don't have the character who looks to be the main focus of the game (you are trying to save her).

[TheOneWhoIsTornApart]

I understand why people were upset with the Bioshock Infinite cover because of the cliched one man with a gun picture but lets all be honest here, it was the best damn picture of a guy with a gun ive ever seen lol. But at the end of the day its just a fucking cover right? The game will speak for itself

[BinaryMind]

I thought girls with huge tits sold games though. And that's certainly an area not lacking in Elizabeth.

[portal_2]

As a male if think box art is great. Anyone put off from purchasing it because of the box art is just ridiculous. Some people have got no protocol. I was hyped for a certain game a while ago, and wen I got it in my hands I wanted all the more:
http://n64media.ign.com/med...

[IIC0mPLeXII]

Yet multiplayer is in the game.....

[sjaakiejj]

You know nothing about it and already assume that multiplayer is in it for appeal?

It's perfectly possible that Naughty Dog just came up with an idea they thought worked really well in a multiplayer environment.

[IIC0mPLeXII]

You played one tacked on mp you've played them all, im personally disappointed in Naughty Dog for falling into the trick bag. Better get ready to call in my pave low to take out the other team of Joel's in team deathmatch.

[d0nT wOrrY]

So? you're complaining about something haven't even seen yet. *Sigh* Give it a chance at least! It's Naughty Dog after all. Plus, they've stated that the MP is being developed by another team at the SAME time. So please, just shut up already.

[JKelloggs]

A completely separate team is working on MP. Also, we haven't saw any MP footage, or the final build of the game, so don't knock what you haven't tried.

[sjaakiejj]

But that's exactly what I commented on - you're claiming Multiplayer is tacked on without ever having seen it, or even knowing what it's going to be like. There may very well be creative reasons for having Multiplayer in the Last of Us.

[IIC0mPLeXII]

The game is clearly story driven with two main characters, herp derp, its going to be coop or some dumbass competitive mode. Just like how they are fucking dead space up.

[sjaakiejj]

That's nothing but speculation on your part. There's other forms of Multiplayer than generic co-op and competitive modes. Give the idea a chance, and if it does end up being generic multiplayer, then by all means complain about it.

But don't complain about something you know nothing about.

[garos82]

Multiplayer on uncharted 2 and 3 were extremely fun.I have no idea why people have become so anti multiplayer in gaming.
The multiplayer co-op levels where for of the best I've had this gen as well as the 3vs3.
I'm glad naughty dog doesn't listen to morons like complex otherwise we might get a cluster f### of a game

[SAE]

only kids will complain about a women or girl is a lead character and this game aint for kids ..

[insomnium2]

I think the coverart could not be better. I find it perfect! I hope this is the final art for the cover. So atmospheric.

[LOGICWINS]

"The Last of Us: Naughty Dog flat-out refused to put Ellie on back of the box art"

Sensationalist title. No one suggested/urged Naughty Dog to put Ellie on the back of the box art.

[sourav93]

"No one suggested/urged Naughty Dog to put Ellie on the back of the box art."

Did you even read the article?

[LOGICWINS]

Yes I did. They're lying. Don't you find it very coincidental that this pops up right after Bioshock Infinite's box art controversy.

[sourav93]

@LOGICWINS Yes, it might actually just be a coincidence. Naughty Dog didn't comment on the Bioshock cover. The site this article is posted on, gamechup.com, made that link.

[audioscience617]

I kinda agree with logic on this. People tend to over sell the level of oppression that they go through in life. Can you honestly name one game, book, tv show or movie where a woman on they cover hurt sales? I love ND but they are just pandering to women and self-righteous feminist men.

[Ilovetheps5]

audioscience, we can't tell if putting a woman on the cover hurts sales, because we have no way to fairly compare a cover with a girl to a cover with a guy. Does it affect my purchase? No. But you never know, some people that buy games based on cover art might be affected. I don't see why they would, but it's possible.

But seriously Logic, read the article.

"'I know I’ve been in discussions where we’ve been asked to push Ellie to the back and everyone at Naughty Dog just flat-out refused,' Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann added."

That was straight out of the article.

[Blacklash93]

^ Pretty much.

Unless there's a reliable study about something like this, we can't tell for sure. Only assume (or pretend we know, evidently here). The only thing we can be absolutely spot-on about is our own behavior regarding this.

ND is not "pandering" to feminists. They told us there was some pressure to take Ellie off the front, explained why that happened, and that they refused to comply with it. That's it. No one is raging about prejudice here. You could say it basically amounts to business men getting paranoid about the image of their product.

Could the same pressure have influenced Bioshock Infinite's cover? A distict possibility since it existed here, but we can't know that for sure either.

[audioscience617]

“I feel like they don’t put women on the covers because they’re afraid that it won’t sell. It’s all gamers really know – and I don’t want to be sexist by any means – but I get the feeling, generally, that they think game’s won’t sell as well with a woman on the cover, compared to some badass dude on the front,” 

Everything she said was speculation based on an industry she has just become apart of and knows little about. There is zero reason for her to think this is the reason why bioshock's cover is what is other then to make this a issue of sexism.

“I agree with what Ashley said. I believe there’s a misconception that if you put a girl or a woman on the cover, the game will sell less. I know I’ve been in discussions where we’ve been asked to push Ellie to the back...”

This is the same thing all speculation. ND are acting like the self-righteous white knights i was talking about by agreeing with her made up reason. Also that "pressure" sounded more like a suggestion then some attempt to hide her for sales

[3dtested]

From the wording it seems that what they meant was put Ellie in the *background* and Joel in the foreground, and not putting Ellie on the back of the *box*.

[SageHonor]

Oh look.. Mika getting owned again lol. What a surprise

Anyways, It's cool that she's on the cover.

[medziarz]

so then why was ND pressured to change the cover?

[SageHonor]

How the hell should I know?

I like the fact that she's on the cover which is why I said it was cool

[chadboban]

Love Naughty Dog, love what I've seen of the game so far, love the box art as well. Would've bought it regardless, but it's good that they choose to emphasise characters they obviously worked really hard on making.

[dennett316]

The box art of a game could feature Justin Bieber and Fred off Youtube having an intimate cuddle and I'd still buy it if I thought the game looked good.

This is 2012, we have significantly more than just the box art to go off when buying games nowadays - we have reviews, previews, videos, demos....the works. Anyone not buying a game because of box art is a colossal idiot.

[THC CELL]

for god sake its a box are u going to walk round with it on ye back?

[GSpartan777]

O_O WTF! How did we go from Sony dying to Box Art complain/praising now. I must have stumbled in some alternate universe here. I need to get back home.

[Wintersun616]

This game is so DOOMED because it's not a guy holding a gun in the cover.

/s

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I really wish people would stop obsessing over box art. The game itself isn't being changed around because of box art. I just don't get why people get so bent out of shape over such a trivial thing.

[e-p-ayeaH]

Being open minded about art is something i appreciate i rather see interesting unique covers for videogames (like a movie would do) to show everyone a little more what its really all about.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I too enjoy good box art, but I don't get "angered" like some when they see box art that doesn't meet their expectation.

[Smashbro29]

Does anyone REALLY care?

[e-p-ayeaH]

That´s the point if someone goes into the videogame store they just might get interested to play this game w/ girlfriend because of the cover art alone if it looks generic they just turn their eyes on the next game many people dont spend their time watching gameplay on the internet.

[GraveLord]

I don't care if the girl is on the cover or not, the new box art they released is just too plain. It doesn't stand out.

Looking at the name of the game, and the box art, I WOULD HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS GAME IS ABOUT. I feel like if they just called this game Zombie Apocalypse it would sell much better and allow for a much cooler box art. Just my 2 cents.

[BlaqMagiq24]

That's why you do your research. I wouldn't buy a game even if it has the greatest cover of all time. If someone buys a game just by looking at a cover and then doesn't like it in the end then that's on him/her. The internet is everywhere. It's not hard to look up a little info.

[CLOUD1983]

What bullsh1t oh mah god... for what males r u talking about 10-12 years old little kids? ~.~

TLOU is a mature games for ages of 16+ & I'm more than sure that the average age of the ppl who r going to buy this game will be over 20 years old, I don't think that males of that age think that way & that's bullsh1t.

I don't have any doubt that this game is going to sell over 5 million copies & the reason I believe that strongly is that Uncharted fans r also Naughty Dog fans, they trust the company & they know that ND create only quality products & nothing less.

So if all of u think for a moment that Uncharted 2 sold over 6 million copies u can assume more or less how many ppl r going to buy TLOU & TLOU imo will attract a lot of ppl that never play UC before because it is something very different more mature with a lot of realistic gore scenes & one theme that ppl is missing a lot the past years, "SURVIVAL".

[mt]

the boxart is nice, the game will sure be amazing.

[onandonandon]

I hope GTAV has a good cover or I aint buying it, even though it's my most wanted game in years!!

[Zachmo182]

Well sir, You win most stupid comment of the day!!

[onandonandon]

Nah I think you're more deserving for not knowing I was clearly being sarcastic!!

[Y_5150]

If you've seen past GTA covers then you'll know!

[MariaHelFutura]

I caught the sarcasm.

[onandonandon]

That's because you're not stupid:)

[MelonSaurus]

This is the dumbest article I've seen in a long time.

[Smurf1]

Why?

[abc1233]

Heck, I don't care if they make the front cover pink and put unicorns and hearts on there, I'm still getting this!

[Relientk77]

Naughty Dog is awesome

[VonBraunschweigg]

Joel alone on the box would be dumb, the girl is one of the two main characters, she belongs on the cover period. And wasn't this gen not all about getting mom & dad into gaming, grandparents, women in general? This box art attracts both sexes looking for a special game, imo it alrady promises a good story with both of them on the cover. And people who only go for macho boxart will probably not like this game, they usually don't like running out of ammo, so no reason trying to sell it to them.

[Max-Zorin]

Lmao people are now complaining about the box art for a game? This gen really is the worst of the worst.

[bloodybutcher]

oh damn...i refuse to buy a game if it doesn't have a huge, square-jaw, muscly and sweaty guy on the cover! now THAT is sth we guys love...mhmmm...

[Bathyj]

Is this actually an issue?
Seriously, would anyone really be turned off a game cos theres a girl/woman on the cover?
Shes one of the main characters in the game, why wouldnt she be there?
Im just a bit stunned anyone even thinks of this, never crossed my mind.

[hkgamer]

Ellie seems more like the main character. the character we control is kind of a plain boring guy.

[Soldierone]

Personally prefer a female protagonist anyway. Different perspective and something new. I've purchased games like WET because of it.

Yeah its easier to connect with a male character being a male, but I find female stories interesting as well. Doesn't make the story or cover feminine, it just makes it different.

[Pillsbury1]

If you have a vita try gravity rush, awesome game.

[rataranian]

I think they're just trying to kill the Ellen Page controversy still by not drawing any more attention to themselves.

[Pillsbury1]

The box art could have a donkey flying on balloons this will still be an amazing game.

[PurpHerbison]

What happens when you put complaining on top of complaining on top of complaining? You get the video game community!

[Bathyj]

Actually Im surprised the stink isnt over 14yo girl carries a rifle.

Oooo, controversial.

[bloodybutcher]

well, it's normal now, isn't it? killing in videogames is acceptable. the only controversial stuff is sex!

[UnholyLight]

Seriously starting to think this Mika bitch is a guy just trolling the Fack out of N4G users. lol

[sdozzo]

People know Naughty Dog. They could put whatever they want on the cover so it doesn't count. But, I see them working.

[Braid]

I don't understand, this shouldn't have been an issue to talk about at all.

What is it now, medieval times all of a sudden?

[kickerz]

This story is about as exciting as seeing people post pics of their lunch on Facebook 0_o

[sdplisken]

if you buy a game for the boxart your doing it wrong

[Truth]

Tombraider had a woman on the cover... it didn't hurt sales. The crappy sequels sure did, but not the boxart.

[Paranoidplayer24]

Bioshock infinite will have interchangeable covers many of them with Liz front and center

[SDF Repellent]

How in the world is a box art story front page news??? Oh, I forgot it is N4G and a Sony exclusive title. This is getting ridiculous. How bout some real news for a change.

[NeXXXuS]

Pretty sure Naughty Dog's game with a big "M" for Mature will sell plenty. It is their first rated "M" game after all. And they have one of, if not, the best reputation in the gaming industry. Either way, I can't wait till this finally gets released next year. :)

[KwietStorm_BLM]

There are 116 comments, and Mika Has 205 disagrees LOL that's gotta be some kind of record. But really, why the hell is this story so popular?

[gamern4g]

The box is important but game is more important.

[csreynolds]

Quite rightly so. From what I've seen of the game, Ellie's possibly more important to this game's narrative than Joel. Even Sony's latest The Last of Us trailer includes a sound bite that says "it's all about that little girl"... so why shouldn't she be the game cover's main focus? Well done ND for taking the stand you did.

And Mika (first commenter) has GOT to be the biggest troll on N4G right now - that, or his/her opinions are beyond daft *shakes head*

[kazuma56]

in terms of marketing, the most important is that the girl is wearing a shotgun bigger than her. sic!

[ATi_Elite]

....what's a Box Cover?

/sarc

[sdozzo]

I only buy games with cool box art.

Sincerely,

Buying a book based on its cover.

[strigoi814]

I think there is no more doomed article about sony thats why haters are now complaining about box arts..wtf?? Lolz haters get a life or get a girlfriend stop playing with yourselves

[miyamoto]

ha ha!

[DwightOwen]

They still have an angry white guy holding a gun on the cover. Not progressive enough, in my opinion.

By the way, I'm being sarcastic.