Part 4/11:
Ryan revisits the false advertising controversy that plagued the game's marketing campaign. He recalls trailers released months before launch that showed Joel and Ellie seemingly on a joint adventure, only for players to discover that the characters were actually different models, with Joel being de-aged for flashback scenes. Naughty Dog used misleading visuals, including different model designs, to generate excitement, ultimately betraying fan trust.
Moreover, trailers deceptively suggested Joel’s involvement would be more prominent, fueling expectations that were not fulfilled. Ryan emphasizes how Naughty Dog’s practices—such as editing trailers and presenting different character models—contributed to a sense of betrayal among fans.