## The Potential Interest of Diablo 4 in The Last of Us’ Battle Royale
Naughty Dog’s upcoming multiplayer game based on The Last of Us may follow the live-service model popular among AAA games. The studio can learn from the successes and failures of Blizzard’s Diablo 4, which has faced criticism for balance and monetization issues. While specific details about The Last of Us multiplayer are scarce, speculation suggests it may feature open-world survival gameplay. Neil Druckmann has emphasized that storytelling will be a priority, ensuring a cohesive narrative despite being a multiplayer game.
Diablo 4’s first season has revealed flaws in its design, causing discontent among players. Blizzard is now trying to address these issues and salvage the game’s reputation. Naughty Dog can learn from this negative reception and avoid similar pitfalls in its own live-service game. Other successful live-service titles like Fortnite and Destiny 2 have mastered the art of the battle pass, and Naughty Dog should consider implementing a similar system to keep players engaged.
Despite its flaws, Diablo 4 offers positive elements that can inspire Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us multiplayer game. The rigid scheduling of seasons ensures that players feel they can catch up and remain familiar with the game, regardless of when they join or return to it. The wide variety of cosmetic options in Diablo 4 also keeps players engaged and could be crucial for the success of Naughty Dog’s game. However, gameplay remains the most important aspect, and Naughty Dog must ensure a strong gameplay experience for its multiplayer game.
Overall, Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us multiplayer game is likely to adopt the live-service model, following industry trends. By learning from the successes and failures of Diablo 4, Naughty Dog can create a compelling multiplayer experience with a strong narrative and engaging gameplay.
