'The Last Of Us 2' News & Update: Is ‘TLOU’ Sequel Set For E3 2017 Unveiling? Ellie, Joel Success Assures Neil Druckman, Naughty Dog Commitment?

"The Last Of Us 2," which will likely see an E3 2017 unveiling, saw a recent flurry of news purported to have come Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog game director Bruce Straley. Although this "The Last Of Us 2" "leak" had been debunked, the success of "TLOU" with the Ellie (Ashley Johnson) and Joel (Troy Baker) arc more than guarantees that Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog will not be shy to commit to "TLOU" 2.

Digital Spy points out that 2017 is now the earliest possible "The Last Of Us 2" release date that "TLOU" fans can expect. However, the media outlet qualifies that a 2018 "The Last Of Us 2" release date would be more realistic than seeing "TLOU" 2 in 2017.

Writing can be a bitch, but I think I finally cracked this scene. Now to take a break so I can read it later and hate it and myself again.

— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) September 10, 2016

At best an E3 2017 unveiling of "The Last Of Us 2" from Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog is the likeliest bet. The media outlet further points out that "The Last Of Us 2" is likelier to remain a Sony exclusive rather than a release for both PS4 and XBox One.

Another piece for my TLoU shrine. Thanks, @erickscarecrow. pic.twitter.com/WesVDjz6gM — Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) August 6, 2016

Digital Spy further points out that the success of "The Last Of Us" renders the inevitability of "TLOU" 2. Still, Parent Herald cites reports on Troy Baker pointing out that Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog will only be motivated to continue the adventures of Ellie and Joel or of new characters with "The Last Of Us 2" if they find a strong story to work with.

We can't wait for everyone to experience Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us Remastered on the PS4 Pro. https://t.co/WXkdhzsLLT

— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) September 7, 2016

Troy Baker points out that no other pressure drives Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog in developing materials as "The Last Of Us 2" except the desire to bring to "life" a compelling story. The work that Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog did on Ellie and Joel with "The Last Of Us," and which eventually became a major influence in the gaming industry, is proof that Troy Baker is on the money with this assessment.