Sony Confirms Cancellation of Last of Us 2 Multiplayer Mod

A highly-anticipated mod for Last of Us 2 that aimed to introduce multiplayer features is being shut down. The developer, Speclizer, announced the project’s cancellation after receiving a cease and desist letter from Sony. The mod was expected to be released to the public this month.

In a post on X, Speclizer shared that they had “recently received a letter on behalf of Sony Interactive Entertainment requesting the mod not be released.” While specific details of the letter weren’t disclosed, fans speculate that the shutdown is linked to the developer’s Patreon, which placed access to the mod behind a paywall, effectively monetizing the project. This often prompts companies to intervene due to potential infringements on intellectual property rights.

Before the cancellation, Speclizer had been actively sharing updates on the mod’s development on YouTube. A recent video titled “We’re getting closer,” uploaded in August, showcased gameplay that suggested the fan project aimed to recreate the original Last of Us’ Factions mode, featuring two teams of four competing in various match types tied to a broader narrative spanning 12 weeks.

In late 2023, developer Naughty Dog announced the cancellation of an official multiplayer game in the series, previously referred to as The Last of Us Online. Reports indicated that the project faced significant development challenges since its inception in 2020. Although some concept art was released over the years, the game was never officially unveiled, and no gameplay footage was shown.

The Last of Us Online was intended to be a standalone title much larger than the original Factions mode. It was also part of Sony’s initiative to expand its portfolio of live-service games, a strategy that has largely faltered, leading to numerous canceled projects and studio closures. While a Last of Us multiplayer experience may not materialize, Naughty Dog has hinted that it still has plans for the series.