The controversial death of Joel in The Last of Us Part 2

In the gaming world, there are certain moments that leave a lasting impact on both players and developers. One of the most striking and controversial moments in The Last of Us Part 2 is undoubtedly Joel’s death. This event, which is still being debated five years after the game’s launch, also appears to have sparked internal controversy at Naughty Dog, the studio behind the game.

The context of Joel’s death

In the opening hours of The Last of Us Part 2, Joel, the protagonist from the first game, is brutally killed by Abby, a member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Joel is beaten to death with a golf club, shocking not only players but also members of the Naughty Dog team. According to a recent revelation from Heather Cerlan, a former artist at Naughty Dog, there was significant discussion within the studio about this creative decision. Many developers were divided over the outcome, with some questioning the impact it would have on players and the community.

This controversial death, which happens early in the game, is central to the story, but it also triggered a strong online reaction. After news leaked that Abby would kill Joel, actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby, and her family even received death threats, showing just how intense player reactions could be.

Internal reactions at Naughty Dog

Cerlan’s comments highlight that the impact of the scene was not limited to the fanbase. Internally at Naughty Dog, many were shocked, and there was a sense of division over the decision. That feedback can be seen as evidence of how developers weigh player reactions and the possible consequences of their storytelling choices. Cerlan said the team knew the decision would be controversial: "Oh yeah, most people in the studio were like, 'really, are you actually going to do this...'."

Bailey has previously spoken about the effect of the online hate she faced after the leak. In documentaries about the development of The Last of Us Part 2, she said the online backlash overshadowed the game itself, with her and her family having to deal with threats against their lives.

Impact on the actors

The fallout also affected the actors involved, as seen in an interview with Tati Gabrielle, the lead in Naughty Dog’s upcoming project Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Gabrielle received a mental prep talk from studio head Neil Druckmann to help her prepare for the online reaction she might face. Druckmann encouraged her to focus on making a great product and not dwell too much on the negative responses she could receive. These reactions are now a familiar issue in the gaming industry when developing ambitious stories with emotional depth.

The longevity of the debate

Five years after The Last of Us Part 2’s release, the debate over Joel’s death is still going strong. Its impact on the story and the effect it has had on gamers and developers remains a topic of discussion in the media and among fans. Actor Troy Baker, who voiced Joel, recently even suggested that players may still see Joel again, despite his death in the second game.

The debate around this moment can partly be attributed to the power of storytelling in video games and the emotional connection players build with characters. This ongoing discussion highlights the responsibility developers have when shaping narrative content and understanding their audience. The Last of Us Part 2 remains a polarizing topic that has both enriched and challenged dialogue within the gaming community.