The Last of Us Part II Composer hints PS5 upgrade coming

More Last of us could be on the way, at least in the form of a “next-gen” PlayStation 5 upgrade to The Last of Us Part II. Composer Gustavo Santaolalla suggested during a recent interview that “new editions” of the game are in the works that will expand on his character’s cameo appearances.

Santaolalla’s character only makes a brief appearance in the PS4 version of the game, strumming a banjo in Jackson City. He said in one interview with Blender that the new version of the character will be more interactive, potentially letting players choose which music from the game’s soundtrack he plays, according to Spanish game site Vandal (via VGC). However, he quickly added that he cannot reveal more yet.

Kotaku contacted Naughty Dog for comment.

The musician probably shouldn’t even reveal that much, since there hasn’t been any official tease for a new version of yet The Last of Us Part II. However, it wouldn’t be a shock that Naughty Dog is working on one. Sony has developed PS5 versions of the latest PS4 hits like Death Stranding and Ghost of Tsushimaas well as porting some to PC as god of war and Spider-Man: Miles Morales. That would make sense Part II would be next in line, especially considering recent success of the HBO adaptation.

In addition to bringing more content, improving visuals and performance, and introducing new accessibility options, “next-gen” upgrades are also a great way for companies to “double-dip” sales, as described in a 2021 report of Bloomberg. Coming out at the narrative end of the PS4 console generation, a PS5 port of Part II would be a good way to get it out to new PlayStation owners who haven’t already played the game using backwards compatibility. It’s also a way to start charging $70 for it.

It’s also the most “new” Last of Us content fans are likely to see in the near future. Naughty Dog has been coy about any plans for one Last of Us Part III pequel and the planned multiplayer spin-off, Last of us factions, production problems reportedly hit earlier this year. Season two of HBO’s adaptation is also currently in limbo as Hollywood writers and actors strike.