Analysis: Last of Us 2 to be PlayStation 5 Launch Title

Sony's silence on the Last of Us 2 (The Last of Us Part II) and the imminent PlayStation 5 announcement could very well be connected.

[CP_Company]

so PS5 will be released this year? because Last of Us 2 coming this fall.

what kind of analysis this is? kindergarten level of analysis?

[JustinJustDied]

Really. Show us the official release date? It is sooooooo crazy to assume that Sony are developing their biggest game for hardware that already exists.

[Nitrowolf2]

Of course they’re developing the Last of Us 2 with PS5 in mind but they aren’t dumb enough this time around to make the games completely incompatible between the system. The game is most likely gonna have scaling options like the X currently does for devs.

What’s crazy is to release the game just for ps5 and ignore the many PS4 owners who bought a PS4 for it to begin with

[FiLTHY ESKiMO]

From the article: "This doesn’t mean that Sony are neglecting the PlayStation 4 owners. One of the the promising new features of this new cloud gaming technology that Sony and Microsoft are looking into is cross-platform play and next-gen backwards compatibility."

She actually says this in the article.

[CP_Company]

wait a bit and you'll get your confirmation about LoU2 release date.

[Razzer]

"It is sooooooo crazy to assume that Sony are developing their biggest game for hardware that already exists."

Really? lol....Sony has repeatedly said TLOU2 was coming to PS4. Are you really suggesting the game will be PS5 exclusive?

"One of the the promising new features of this new cloud gaming technology that Sony and Microsoft are looking into is cross-platform play and next-gen backwards compatibility."

And is the article's author really suggesting TLOU2 will only be playable on PS4 via streaming?

[kayoss]

They did it for the TLOU? why wouldnt they do it again for TLOU2?

[CP_Company]

Jason Schreier

Looks like Death Stranding is about to get announced for a November release. The Last of Us 2 was also planned for fall 2019 but I actually just heard it got bumped to early 2020, possibly February? Either way, wild final year for PS4

[MoonConquistador]

Final year for PS4?

Even 2021 won't be the final year for PS4. Sony have a good past record of continuing to support existing platforms when they release new hardware

[Summons75]

Jason Schreier isn't a Naughty Dog or Sony employee. He is a journalist that is only writing about a rumor. Nothing on TLOUp2's release date has been revealed.

[Razzer]

@Summons75

"Jason Schreier isn't a Naughty Dog or Sony employee."

No, but he has reliable sources and he is highly respected for his reporting. Certainly a hell of a lot more reputable that some "sausage roll" website.

@MoonConquistador
"Final year for PS4? "

Schreier means before PS5 takes over.

[thornh]

I think TLoU2 will fall into Sony's Spring (Mar 2020) window. Some of their biggest titles are released in spring. Fall 2019 is Death Stranding. They won't release both at the same time.

[Nineball2112]

I think it's coming next Spring. It'll be a PS4 release, I'm pretty sure.

[Seraphim]

I wouldn't count on this Fall but you never know. Death Stranding in Nov 8 so there's time to slot it in. We figured both would be done this year so there is that. However it depends on exactly where they're at in development. I know Neil Drukman has said he hopes to wrap up production of TLOU2 soon. that could simply mean mo-cap portions so there might be quite a bit of work on the game still. ie: more like an early 2020 title at best. At the same time mo-cap might be done as his post with a card stating "the end" a while back. So it might just be game development left to finish and polish. Regardless, it is coming sooner than many expect. At least that's what I expect. However if there is that much work left and the expected completion time is late 2020 and that's when PS5 drops I could see it releasing on both platforms. Perhaps bringing in people to work on an enhanced edition for PS5. that seems like a bit if considering...

[Relientk77]

Last of Us 2 will launch on PS4, and Remastered when PS5 comes out with all/any DLC.

[ApocalypseShadow]

The most sensible answer that backs up what some above and just below me have said. I agree.

How dumb would a business be to release a new game only on the new console with no sales yet? Where not everyone buys this type of game? When they can release the game to over 100 million potential console customers next year to make a return on the investment they put into supporting Naughty Dog? Some here don't know anything about business. I suggest taking some classes. 10+ million sales are a given for this game on PS4. Guaranteed. At PS5 launch? Maybe 1-3 million. Maybe. As Tony Stark would say, "Do the math."

Release on PS4. Then announce PS5. After sales have reached a certain point of the game on PS4, announce an enhanced version to coincide with PS5 launch or near launch even if the PS4 game will run on PS5 through BC.

Everyone knows they will make an enhanced version. But to exclude millions of gamers who play currently or bought a system expecting the sequel on it after seeing trailers would hurt Sony's image. And Sony is not about F'ups like that going forward.

[Rude-ro]

There is no “remastered”.
The ps5 will coincide with the ps4 for the first couple of years.

Why do people keep trying to say this?

[rainslacker]

It's been so common to do cross gen ports for the entirety of gaming history, I don't really blame people for not recognizing that something more akin to BC upgrade patches, or dual releases on a single disc, are now a possibility.

They could potentially sell it as a remaster, and probably make good money off it. But, it would be a nice gesture and help their rep going into the start of the gen just to have a ps5 enhanced version as a patch. That patch could even include a full PS5 build if they wanted. A full on remaster probably isn't necessary.

[BLow]

Why would it need to be remastered if the PS5 will have BC?

If they did a remake, like Ratchet and Clank or Shadow of Colussus, then I get your point. But a remaster makes no sense especially if the game hasn't been out that long. Plus, we don't know what enhancements BC will bring to PS4 games yet. We need to pump our brakes for a second. We are getting ahead of ourselves.

Baby steps....

[wwinterj]

The PS5 has better hardware so you could get the game to run better with a remaster. It's just going to do what the first game did and come out on both systems.

[kayoss]

There wont be a remaster, remember the PS5 will be Backward Compatible. My prediction is that they will release it on PS4. When the PS5 comes out, they might release a patch to upgrade the game for those who will play it on the PS5 (an upscaling).

[Xavi4K]

If that the case I will get it on ps5 just like last of us 1

[Lennoxb63]

Likely a cross gen game. With the PS5 adding more bells and whistles.

[ravinash]

So will it be PS4, PS4+ & PS5?

[wwinterj]

That's what cross gen means yes.

[Hardiman]

Sony supports their consoles to the end and then some. With PS5 being BC, I imagine it'll get an update to enhance it on PS5. Or they release one for PS4 and one for PS5(for those early adopters) either way the original released a few months before the PS4 hit and some titles release cross gen. Either way I'm fu*king excited!

[PhoenixUp]

Since PS5 will be backwards compatible you’ll be able to play TLOU2 on the system day one regardless. Doesn’t mean they’d delay the PS4 release to coincide with the PS5’s launch like it’s TLoZ: BotW

[DaDrunkenJester]

I have a feeling it will come out 3 months or so before PS5, then it will get a full 4k/60fps port with additional graphics enhancements when the PS5 launches.

Basically exactly what the first game did.

[rainslacker]

The first one was essentially the remastered version. A separate games that had to be purchased. While that is still a possibility, I think the PS5 enhanced version, through BC, would be more ideal. It's anyone's guess at this point, and there is really nothing to say that Sony will do what MS does for it's BC stuff for TLOU2. I have no doubt that TLOU2 will be able to play on the PS5, and I have a pretty good feeling it will be enhanced from the PS4 version in some way. How they achieve that enhancement has a couple possibilities though.

[JesusBuiltmyHotrod]

LOL no.

[REDGUM]

I gotta say, if there was a system selling game out there TLOU 2 would be it. To be marketed along the lines of "Sure, you could play it like this, but why if you could play it LIKE THIS!!"
It's obviously coming to both systems but marketed right would sell alot more PS5's at launch, me included.

[AK91]

Or it could be like TLOU1 and come out the same year as the (at the time) next gen consoles.

[Jls1]

It will be same pattern as ps3-ps4. Last of us 2 on ps4 and ps5

[Razzer]

The Last of Us Part II was announced as a PS4 game. That has not changed. There is no "analysis" in the article. Just uninformed guessing.

The Last of Us Part II – E3 2018 Gameplay Reveal Trailer | PS4
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

The game will automatically be on PS5 as the console will be backward compatible with PS4.

"The game was expected to launch mid 2018, but its now 2019 and we don’t even have an official release date."

LOL.....that is bullshit! TLOU2 was NEVER expected to launch in 2018.

[cellfluid]

This is amazing way to start the ps5 generation.. Continued GREATNESS!!!

[nismo370]

No, PS4

[SCW1982]

Wow this so called Journalist really needs to understand how the industry works before posting this stuff. Nothing about Microsoft and Sony's partnership has anything to do with backwards compatibility or cross play capabilities, its like they are pulling ideas out of thin air and trying to make them work for an article just for clicks. Educate yourself otherwise you look like an idiot. TLOU part II will absolutely be a PS4 game.

[RosweeSon]

No.

[thornh]

I think The Last of Us 2 and God of War 5 will be the last great PS4 exclusives and the first great PS5 exclusives simultaneously.

[dogzipp]

Let's remember that the original Last of Us, was a PS3 title, that came almost at the end of the console's cycle (June 2013). Not four months later PS4 came out (November 2013), and then a remastered version of Last of Us came out for the PS4 afterwards.

Something similar could happen here. Last of Us 2 comes out for PS4, so millions and millions of copies cna be sold on an already installed userbase. And then later, a remastered version for PS5 when it comes out later.

[rainslacker]

That's a possibility.

But, MS, with it's BC program, has also upped the game with their enhanced BC patches, which actually add in the remastered versions to older games through a patch. it's essentially giving you a new build, or at least added benefits though the assets.

While Sony isn't obligated to follow that same paradigm, it wouldn't win them any favors going into the next gen to not have the same kind of offering. For those buying a PS5, that don't have the game, it still makes it a game worth buying to take advantage of the system....same way the remaster did for the first game. They'll get the hardware sales, and they'll likely get some other software sale in the process.

Remaster is an easy way to make extra money without much effort, and realistically, it was what was always referred to as a cross gen port from days gone by. But, sometimes, good will of the customer can carry you further in the long run, over a quick pay day in the short term. Sony isn't really in desperate need of money at the start of the upcoming gen, so has a little more room to be consumer friendly with this sort of thing.

[outsider1624]

Yeeeesh! First it was Death Stranding. Now it's The Last of us pt2.
Yes yes..ignore the almost 100million ps4 fan base.
What next? Ghost of Tsushima for ps5 launch title?

[Kumakai]

That makes sense.

[StormSnooper]

I would like that

[Latex74]

If it goes on ps5 then I may just wait and play in on the ps5 waited this long what's a bit more time .too be honest I'm getting fed up waiting on ps4 bring on ps5

[Bigman4k]

That's a smart move by sony it will help the ps5 sell a lot of units

[carcarias]

No way they'll want to miss out on sales from the current PS4 userbase.

Also, if it was PS5 only, then it'd look even better and run at 60fps.

There could easily be a PS5 enhanced version though and I would expect one of those enhancements to be 60fps, like the Last of Us remaster.

[Einhander1971]

It will obviously run on PS4, but PS5 will no doubt have all the extra bells and whistles to sell the new tech. I expect that’s why the game is being held back.

[UnholyLight]

If it gets pushed to a launch PS5 title my interest is massively piqued. Would certainly give more reason for a guy like me to choose PS5 at launch, as with PS4 there was really only 1 exclusive at launch that I can remember being hyped up for and that was Killzone Shadowfall

[Psychotica]

That's cool, I am still hoping for Bloodborne 2 though

[Dizzy11523]

Skipping another woke title.

[Razzer]

lol....who do you think you are kidding? You were never going to buy the game.

"Over hyped. Another Sony exclusive that takes itself too serious. Hard Pass."
"Just an overrated PS4 game again. HARD PASS."
"Screw Playstation."
https://n4g.com/user/commen...

Where are all the people who say anti-Sony guys like this don't exist on n4g? lol

[MasterCornholio]

PWNED

:P

[Dizzy11523]

Damn stalker. I loved the first game. Before Sony started to suck.

[Razzer]

"Damn stalker."

lol....like I had to look far. Those comments were from your first two pages of your history.

"Before Sony started to suck."

Sounds like you changed, not Sony.

[kayoss]

I dont think Sony will jeopardize TLOU2 by releasing it on the PS5. There are too many PS4 owners out there to ignore. They're doing themself a disservice if they release it on the PS5. If anything, they will do what they did with TLOU, release it on Ps3 and then re-release it on the PS4.

[Sophisticated_Chap]

I suppose that would be alright, but talk about stringing everyone along for 5 years already. We will have gone through the entire generation, with Sony having continually talked about this game, only to have it completely skip this generation.

[Razzer]

" talk about stringing everyone along for 5 years already."

TLOU2 was announced on December 6, 2016. That was only two and a half years ago.
https://blog.us.playstation...

And the game was announced for PS4. That hasn't changed.

[KickSpinFilter]

Sony would make a killing with PS5/TLOU2 launch release, would make me instantly pick up a PS5 with TLOU2 in 2020.
If not I'll just stick to PS4, and wait a year for holiday sale/ PSVR2 bundle in 2021. I have such a backlog of PS4 games it's exhausting. If TLOU2 came out this year I'd just pick it up for PS4.

[rainslacker]

Game will probably break records in it's first month. I don't think they need it to sell the PS5, and I think a new IP would be better for launch. New games are often brought at launch because people are in that buying mood. A PS5 cross gen release is a distinct possibility though, or just a patch which allows enhancements through their BC offerings.

I don't know if they'll ever do a PSVR/PS5 bundle. They haven't done any bundles like that for the current PS4/PSVR, and the next gen is going to be pricey at the start, even in 2021. Heck, PSVR and PS4 aren't exactly cheap now.

I like what Sony's done this gen, and will buy their next console. Probably day one, but I'm also with a huge back log, so i'm not going to worry too much about getting in my pre-order. If i have to wait a bit, I'll be fine. Even if there is a must have game I have to wait a month or two for...I'll be fine.

[Mr_Luke]

What's this nonsense?

[KickSpinFilter]

PS5 March or Nov 2020 release, along with TLOU2 to match PS5 release
But at the same time comes out on PS4 also.
Just Like Zelda did for Switch & WiiU
Satisfies Hardcore while supporting late adopters on PS4.
Brilliant
Better yet same disk/DLC that supports PS4 & PS5.
Boom!!!

[Xavi4K]

I hare when they announce game five years in advance and make me eager to play it to be disappointed later that it won’t even come on this generation...if it’s not coming for this generation whats the point of announcing it in middle of the generation?!

[rainslacker]

It was annouced less than three years ago. It will probably release early to mid 2020, on the PS4. It may or may not re-release on the PS5. I'm not even sure they wanted to announce it, but ND seemed eager to put out that teaser.

This article is pure conjecture, and doesn't present a lot of information accurately, and is a pretty piss poor analysis overall.

[iEatNapkinz]

I would say that it will either be one of these options:

Launch on PS4 and PS5 Separately (Like Breath of the Wild launched on Wii U & Switch)
Launch on PS4 and also be BC with PS5 with enhancements

[Hillyhill]

TLOU2 is going to launch on PS4 months before it launches on Ps5. The Ps5 edition will be game of the millennium enhanced edition pooping on all 14 Xbox in house toilet bowls on stage at the Xbox garbage can stage solely on Xbox at e3 ‘19

[CrimsonWing69]

Yea no it’s not going to be a PS5 launch title. Marketing is already for PS4 and if you know anything about marketing it’s extremely expensive to change it.

It could very well have a “remastered” version for PS5 or I guess if you want to be pedantic you can play it at launch for the PS5 since it’ll have backwards compatibility, but make no mistake about this, it’s a PS4 game.

Do analysts just come up with theories and get paid for them or do they actually do research? I only ask because I see 90% of what Michael Pachter says is wrong and then you have things like this from other analysts.

[Kyizen]

Why does everything think next gen is 'around the corner' yes we will be talking about it soon and it will be announced but still looking likea Holiday 2020 release. That means TLOU2 can come out in Feb 2020, April 2020, or even June 2020 and still be 6 months old by the time PS5 launches. I don't know if we will see an enhanced version for the PS5 since it has backward compatibility, it will load faster and might have better res/textures on PS5 but a boxed version I'm not so sure about.

[EliteComments123]

LOL it will most certainly be a PS4 game, LOL with PS5 enhanced version after that.

[NeoGamer232]

Kudos to Sony for using this as a tool to sell new consoles.

But, this is not a good tactic from a gamer perspective. They have been marketing LoU2 for a year or two this generation. If this was their plan then they should've told people this was a next generation game.

When I saw the last E3 demo I was thinking, "Wow, how did they do that with the current console generation?" Now I know it wasn't this generation's console.