As video game developers, we know how important it is to create engaging and immersive experiences that resonate with our audience.
One way to do this is by drawing inspiration from real-life events and experiences. In this article, we will explore the idea that the popular video game The Last of Us is based on a real-life scenario and how this has influenced the development of the game. We will also examine how this case study can serve as an inspiration for other video game developers.
The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2013, is a post-apocalyptic survival horror video game set in a world overrun by infected humans known as “Clickers.”
The game follows the journey of a young woman named Ellie and her companion Joel as they navigate through a dangerous and unpredictable world.
While many have speculated about the real-life inspiration behind the game, there is evidence to suggest that the creators drew heavily from a specific real-life scenario.
One of the most well-known inspirations for The Last of Us is the 1993 book “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy.
The novel follows a father and son as they journey through a post-apocalyptic world, much like the world of The Last of Us. However, it was not just the plot that inspired the game’s creators. According to Neil Druckmann, one of the co-creators of The Last of Us, “The Road” also served as a guide for the game’s writing and tone.
Another real-life inspiration for The Last of Us is the 2011 Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.
At its peak, the outbreak infected over 28,000 people and killed more than 11,000. In an interview with Polygon, Druckmann said that “the Ebola outbreak served as a reminder of how fragile our society is and how quickly things can unravel.” This idea of societal collapse is a central theme in The Last of Us and helps to create a sense of urgency and danger for the player.
The real-life inspirations behind The Last of Us have also been reflected in the game’s development process.
For example, the creators spent time conducting research on infectious diseases and how they could be used to create a more realistic and terrifying experience for the player. They also worked closely with medical professionals to ensure that their depiction of the virus was accurate and respectful.
As video game developers, we can learn a lot from The Last of Us’s real-life inspirations.
By drawing from real-world events and experiences, we can create more engaging and immersive games that resonate with our audience. It is also important to be mindful of the impact that our games can have on society and to use this influence for good.
However, it is also important to remember that video games are just one form of entertainment and that they should not be used as a substitute for real-life experiences.
As with any form of media, video games should be enjoyed in moderation and used as a way to escape from the stresses of everyday life.
In conclusion, The Last of Us is a prime example of how real-life inspirations can be used to create engaging and immersive video games.
By drawing from real-world events and experiences, we can create more authentic and impactful games that resonate with our audience. As video game developers, it is our responsibility to use this influence for good and to remember that video games are just one form of entertainment.
FAQs:
1. What inspired the creators of The Last of Us?
The creators of The Last of Us were inspired by a variety of real-life events and experiences, including the 1993 book “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy and the 2011 Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.
2. How did the real-life inspirations influence the development of The Last of Us?
The real-life inspirations influenced the game’s writing, tone, and development process. For example, the creators spent time conducting research on infectious diseases to create a more realistic and terrifying experience for the player. They also worked closely with medical professionals to ensure that their depiction of the virus was accurate and respectful.
3. What can video game developers learn from The Last of Us’s real-life inspirations?
Video game developers can learn how to draw from real-world events and experiences to create more engaging and immersive games. It is also important to be mindful of the impact that our games can have on society and to use this influence for good.
4. Should video games be used as a substitute for real-life experiences?
Video games should not be used as a substitute for real-life experiences. They are just one form of entertainment and should be enjoyed in moderation.
