The Last of Us is one of Sony's many premiere properties, often talked about in the same circles as God of War, Spider-Man, and many others. The franchise began in 2013 with the initial release of The Last of Us, expanded with a sequel, has kept fans eager for a threequel, promised a fully-developed multiplayer, and has received a major HBO adaptation, all in the span of about ten years. This history more or less speaks for itself, but June is an important month for the franchise for two major reasons.
SPOILERS AHEADWhile it has been a few years since The Last of Us 2 released, the franchise is more alive and well than ever. The first game received a remake, the HBO show had a stellar release and reviews (for the most part), and there have been a few comments regarding The Last of Us 3. Recently, The Last of Us' multiplayer game received some disappointing news, but it's likely to be a forgotten stumble if the franchise keeps up the forward momentum.
The Last of Us: History and Pride
June is important to The Last of Us franchise for two reasons: History and Pride. The initial release of The Last of Us dropped worldwide on June 14, 2013, meaning the franchise is turning ten years old in a few days (as of this writing). The Last of Us Part 2 released on June 19, 2020, meaning it'll turn three just a few days after. It would be a wise bet that The Last of Us 3 or the multiplayer game could release in June to honor this history, if the development cycle manages to line up. It's clear that not everything releases in June (the first game's remake was in September and the HBO show was in January). However, the heart of the Last of Us franchise finds its home in June.
In that history is a clear recognition of Pride. It's doubtful that June is a coincidence for the franchise since Ellie has been, since day one, a lesbian protagonist. There were hints in the base game such as when she found Bill's magazines (who is another gay character surviving in the apocalypse), and it was explicitly revealed in The Left Behind DLC. Her sexuality would play a key role in the sequel, as it is her relationship with Dina that would grant her happiness, the happiness she would take for granted. While she manages to settle down with Dina and JJ, despite suffering from PTSD, she gives up this chance at a happy life to pursue Abby once again. Afterward, she returns home with that happiness gone. It's uncertain what becomes of Dina and JJ, it's uncertain if Ellie can reclaim her happiness and family, as The Last of Us 2 comes to a bittersweet end.
But that Pride is important, her happiness is important, and everything about the post-apocalyptic world tries to take that from her. Unfortunately, that Pride comes with denial by real-world folks as well. When The Last of Us 2 released, many were apparently shocked to learn that Ellie was gay, meaning they didn't pay attention to the clues or play the first DLC. The Last of Us 2 would be review-bombed prior to its launch, with many taking aim at its LGBT content alongside controversial story decisions. Later on, the show was critically acclaimed, but the lowest two episodes of The Last of Us HBO were review-bombed. These two episodes highlighted the loving, sweet, and amazing queer relationship that took place between Bill and Frank, while the other fleshed out Ellie's relationship with her first girlfriend, who is deceased at the start of the show. Yet, despite it all, Ellie and The Last of Us franchise push forward.
History and Pride are key elements of The Last of Us franchise. Try as it might, neither the post-apocalyptic world nor the real one can deny what makes Ellie so strong, and hopefully, The Last of Us 3 will see Ellie find the peace she deserves.
The Last of Us 2 is available now on PS4.