Joel Miller

Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II was a huge success in both sales and in accolades. Despite this impressive level of success within the gaming industry, many fans have critiqued the writing and story of the game. Many of the complaints are related to convenient story lines, plot armor, and inconsistent character traits. For some it is more simply. The previous main character of the first game is killed off almost immediately within the long-awaited sequel. This left a bad taste in the mouths of many fans that were eager to see his story continue. Neil Drunkman was blamed for many of these complaints.

For the last year, speculation has run rampant on how the story telling dropped so drastically in quality. Was it do to pushing political narratives? Was the co-writer to blame? We now know the real reason why The Last of Us Part II has a drastic difference in writing quality. Neil Drunkman revealed everything in our exclusive interview at the Celebrity Dungeon.

Neil Drunkman: Exclusive Interview

Dr. Williams: Hello Mr. Drunkman. Thank you for taking the time to come visit today.

Neil Drunkman: It wasn’t exactly my choice, but you’re welcome.

Williams: Anyways, I just wanted to let you know how inspired I am by you.

Drunkman: Really? That is quite flattering to hear.

Williams: Yes really. Last year I played through The Last of Us Part II and it was a wild ride to say the least.

Drunkman: We really wanted the game to feel like an emotional rollercoaster rather than a video game. Consider it a trip to Six Flags rather than a round of Call of Duty.

Why Did Neil Drunkman Divide The Fanbase?

Williams: Yeah sure. Anyways, I was impressed by your ability to absolutely disregard everything anyone wanted from a sequel to the beloved first game. You really just did your own thing and totally shattered a fanbase. I respect your ability to just not care about your loyal fans or their expectations. What is your secret?

Drunkman: I didn’t want to be predictable. I didn’t want to release the game everyone wanted. If it takes dividing up the fanbase, so be it. Art cannot come at the cost of the perception of the consumers.

The Secret Tip To Writing A Story

Williams: I agree that art shouldn’t be harmed by the perception of others. However, we are not talking about art. We are talking about The Last of Us Part II. So, what was your reason for throwing such a curveball at the fans?

Drunkman: I think it just comes from a stubborn little place inside of me. I just didn’t want to put out a game that could have been predicted. That and alcohol.

Williams: Alcohol!?

Drunkman: Yes. The alcohol helped a lot. I had an entirely different game planned until I got really into whiskey. The lockdown didn’t help at all. I delayed the whole game last second because every time a cracked open some whiskey during lockdown, I would come up with so many intrusive ideas. I couldn’t disobey the whiskey.

The Original Version of The Last of Us Part II

Williams: You are telling me that we almost got a completely different game?

Drunkman: Correct. The original pitch for The Last of Us Part II was probably something the fans would have loved. There was one problem though. The whiskey hated it. Every time I drank I just thought to myself “Is this really the game I want to make?”. So I let go of all expectations and just created my new character. I wanted her to destroy Ellie, but I didn’t want Ellie to die either. If this comes off as “convenient” or “plot armor” so be it.

Williams: Wow Mr. Drunkman. You have really inspired me. I think I will start drinking whiskey at work now too. Imagine all the critical acclaim and accolades I will receive from all of my whiskey fueled ideas. I am more inspired by you than ever. Thank you again for stopping by. Keep on sipping that whiskey.

Drunkman: *Laughs for 4 minutes straight* You are hilarious Dr. Williams. I don’t sip whiskey these days. I absolute chug it. Get ready for The Last of Us Part III. I am writing it right now! I have four bottles of whiskey waiting at home with my name on it.

Williams: I am beyond excited for that one. I hope you kill off every single likeable character.

That was an incredible interview. Thank you again Neil Drunkman for coming by the Celebrity Dungeon for a wonderful interview. He truly is an inspiration to the gaming and writing industry. Did you enjoy the interview? Are you excited for The Last of Us Part III? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.