The long-awaited multiplayer offering for The Last of Us Part II may be a standalone free-to-play experience.
According to a recent job listing posted by developer Naughty Dog, the studio is looking for a "Senior Monetization/Economy Designer." This employee will be responsible for creating "in-game initiatives to increase revenue and conversion while maintaining a strong player-first value system." Monetization specialists are often recruited to work on free-to-play games that require an alternate form of revenue beyond the initial price tag.
While it's never explicitly stated in the listing, many fans have taken this to mean that the multiplayer suite in The Last of Us Part II will incorporate some form of microtransaction. Naughty Dog's listing also notes that the open position will require the designer to promote a "holistic monetization strategy with the goal of improving retention, increasing in-game revenue and lifetime value, while respecting the player experience." The post also confirms that The Last of Us Part II's multiplayer will include microtransactions for cosmetic items likely purchased through an in-game store. While many of these factors can be applied to traditional forms of multiplayer, player retention is one of the most essential factors in ensuring the long-term success of a free-to-play game.
Little is currently known about how The Last of Us Part II will handle multiplayer. Naughty Dog has previously noted that the experience will be separate from the core game which launched in 2020. While the developer has yet to share any footage of the game, it has reassured avid fans that production is progressing steadily, stating that it will show more when it's ready. This will be the first standalone multiplayer game released by the studio.
Despite The Last of Us' reputation as a cinematic, single-player experience, the first game's Factions mode proved to be incredibly popular among gamers. Players join a clan of "Fireflies" or "Hunters" with the goal of completely eradicating the enemy. The mode was praised for its tense and spontaneous firefights as players needed to stay on their toes to overcome their opponents.
Upon its release, The Last of Us Part II received glowing reviews from critics. Many praised its emotional narrative, stunning graphics and powerful performances. The game is available as a PlayStation 4 exclusive.
Source: Naughty Dog