Fans of Naughty Dog`s critically acclaimed `The Last of Us` video game series will soon have a unique opportunity to delve into its narrative depths. Dark Horse is set to release a comprehensive hardbound collection titled `The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts`. This isn`t about the popular HBO adaptation; rather, it`s a direct compilation of the original video game scripts. Scheduled for publication on December 16, this book promises to be an ideal holiday gift for dedicated fans of the series.
Spanning an impressive 616 pages, this hardcover volume encompasses the full scripts for the original `The Last of Us` (released in 2013), its accompanying DLC `Left Behind` (from 2014), and the sequel `The Last of Us Part II` (which debuted in 2020).
Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog`s current creative director and president, authored both the first game and the `Left Behind` expansion. For `The Last of Us Part II`, he collaborated with Halley Gross. Notably, Druckmann and Gross also recently co-wrote the concluding episodes of `The Last of Us` Season 2 for HBO, alongside Craig Mazin.
This collection is expected to offer a compelling read for enthusiasts, potentially enhancing subsequent playthroughs with a deeper narrative understanding. Furthermore, it holds significant value for aspiring game writers. Unlike film or television, detailed scripts for AAA video games are rarely made public by developers or publishers. This release offers an unprecedented look into the scripting process of a major title, previously inaccessible to those outside the industry.
The very existence of such a comprehensive game script book is remarkable, arguably unprecedented in the gaming world. Prior research revealed no other full video game scripts published in a similar format. The closest comparative example identified was `The Skyrim Library`, a multi-volume set that focused on the lore and written content within `The Elder Scrolls V`, rather than its core narrative script.
Many AAA titles are not conducive to a script format due to their intricate design. Games featuring branching dialogue options, multiple story paths, expansive open worlds, numerous non-player characters, and extensive side quests would necessitate an unmanageable volume of pages across multiple books, making such a publication financially unviable.
Conversely, `The Last of Us` is exceptionally well-suited for this printed script format. Its linear, narrative-driven structure often earns it descriptors like `cinematic` or `interactive movie.` Indeed, many sequences in the recent HBO adaptation directly mirror their in-game counterparts, requiring minimal alteration.
`The Last of Us` games are characterized by their absence of player-driven dialogue choices, divergent plotlines, or vast open-world exploration. The original game`s experience is largely a pre-scripted journey. While the sequel offers greater player agency in combat and puzzle-solving, its `open` segments, similar to Naughty Dog`s `Uncharted 4`, remain fundamentally linear in progression.
While not identical to traditional screenplays, these game scripts will incorporate interactive elements inherent to the game worlds, intertwined with dialogue exchanges between characters like Joel and Ellie. The descriptive text accompanying the dialogue is expected to offer significant revelations, providing fans with fresh perspectives and deeper understandings.
Although film screenplays (typically 90-120 pages) are less frequently published now than in the past, collections of teleplays for popular television series do emerge. While the scripts for HBO`s `The Last of Us` adaptation haven`t been released yet, HBO has a precedent for publishing such collections, including the complete scripts for all four seasons of `Succession` in 2023, and upcoming releases for `Stranger Things` Seasons 1-4.
The Last of Us Season 2 Blu-ray Release
Separately, fans can anticipate the release of `The Last of Us` Season 2 on 4K Blu-ray this September 23. Special editions, such as the Limited Edition Steelbook, will be available, alongside standard 4K Blu-ray options for both Season 1 and Season 2.