Delaying this multiplayer take on The Last of Us is a good thing

Recently, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that their much-anticipated “The Last of Us Part II” multiplayer mode, Factions, will be delayed until 2021. This delay has met some reactions with disappointment, but it is a good thing for the game.

For one thing, the delay allows the developers to focus on the single-player campaign. “The Last of Us Part II” is an ambitious sequel to the beloved first game and it is aiming to push the boundaries of story-telling in video games. It will have intense set pieces and complex characters, and it will likely be an immersive experience that fans have come to expect from the franchise. If the developers are able to devote more attention to honing the single-player campaign, then the game will be better received.

Secondly, delaying the game actually satisfies the game’s original intention. Remember that “The Last of Us Part II” is opting for single-player instead of multiplayer because the developers wanted to ensure that the story and themes are the main focus of the game. A multiplayer mode will always compromise the game’s story, and by delaying the mode, it allows the developers more time to ensure that the two aspects of the game remain well balanced.

Finally, the delay gives the developers more time to perfect the multiplayer mode. Fans that want to get the best experience out of Factions can rest easy knowing that the game will be released after the developers have fine-tuned the multiplayer mechanics and features. Fans can expect a smooth, enjoyable, and balanced multiplayer mode that can stand up to other titles’ battle royale offerings.

It’s clear why Sony Interactive Entertainment decided to delay “The Last of Us Part II”’s multiplayer mode. The delay allows the developers to focus on the single-player campaign and it adheres to the game’s original goal of offering a focused story-telling experience. Furthermore, the delay gives the developers more time to perfect the multiplayer mode, ensuring a quality gaming experience. All in all, this delay is a good thing for “The Last of Us Part II”.