The Last of Us: From Console to Culture – Franchise Expansion Beyond Video Games

The process of adapting “The Last of Us” from a video game to a television series has been a remarkable journey. Neil Druckmann, Studio Head, Naughty Dog and Executive Producer, Co-Creator and Writer, HBO’s The Last of Us’, along with Asad Qizilbash, SVP, Publishing and Head of PlayStation Productions, who also serves as Executive Producer on the show, discuss the challenges and triumphs of  this iconic game franchise evolving into a critically acclaimed and award-winning television series in a recent conversation. 

Reflecting on the challenges of adapting the game series to TV, focusing on character-driven storytelling, especially in how Season 2 compares to Season 1, Druckmann shared that, “season one adapted the entire [first] game. So there’s nothing we were holding back or nothing where we have to make big adjustments based on how it’s being delivered, because we know at the end of the season they’re getting the whole story. Season 2, we knew they’re getting a big chunk of the story, but not the entire story.” 

Another creative voice that led to the artful translation of The Last of Us was the visionary mind of Craig Mazin. 

“What’s nice about the collaboration with Craig that was evident from the first meeting I had with him is how much he loves these games, these characters, these relationships,” said Druckmann. “So often, our first conversations about the adaptation is what was his experience playing through it, what resonated with him. What was he curious to find out more about?”

And while playing the game is not a requirement, Druckmann shared that experiencing this story in both forms offers a richer experience. 

“You don’t need to play the game to enjoy the show. That was always important. But if you do, and you watch the show, it will fill in certain gaps for the game.”

There is also no denying that The Last of Us has grown to a worldwide phenomenon. As to how the show resonated with fans, both gamer and viewer alike, “…It had a weight and depth to the story I don’t think we’ve ever experienced before,” said Qizilbash. 

“I think you did some things, which sort of went against convention, you took some story risks and there was emotional nuance. You didn’t shy away from very difficult themes as well. So I think all of that added a weight and a depth to the story that I don’t think we’ve experienced…but at the heart, it is about love, it’s about loss, it’s about survival. It’s these human-like themes that everyone really appreciates.And then also the world, I mean, the world you all built is harsh, it’s brutal. But it’s the pockets of hope and the love, and connection and humanity… that duality was something that really stood out.”

To hear more about the journey of adapting “The Last of Us,” watch the full video on YouTube.