The influence of Bloodborne has been significant, even impacting the development of The Last of Us Part 2. The game industry has witnessed significant transformations during the development phase, with many games evolving into something entirely different over time. The Last of Us Part 2 is a prime example of this, as it has been revealed that Neil Druckmann initially envisioned the game as a large open-world title inspired by Bloodborne.
This insight was shared in The Last of Us Part 2 documentary on YouTube, offering fans an in-depth look at Naughty Dog’s journey in creating the sequel and overcoming various challenges. During the early stages of development, Neil Druckmann aimed to differentiate The Last of Us Part 2 from its predecessor. The team drew inspiration from Bloodborne, particularly its robust melee combat and expansive world.
For the first four to five months, the game was envisioned as a Bloodborne-inspired open-world title focused primarily on melee combat. The layout structure of Bloodborne also had a significant influence on the initial development, with developers admiring the “mastery over the world” and the feeling of familiarity it evoked in players. The fact that Bloodborne influenced The Last of Us Part 2 is not surprising, given Bloodborne’s status as a generational title on the PS4.
Bloodborne and Dark Souls have influenced numerous games since their launch, so it’s reasonable for one prestigious PlayStation game to draw inspiration from another. In an unexpected revelation, Neil Druckmann hinted at the possibility of another chapter in The Last of Us, hinting at The Last of Us Part 3. This revelation marked a significant moment in the documentary, raising the prospect of a continuation of the beloved franchise.
