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The Controversy Surrounding The Last of Us Part II: A Deep Dive into Media, Fan Reactions, and Naughty Dog's Response

Introduction: A Battle Over Narrative Control

The ongoing saga of The Last of Us Part II has been marked by intense scrutiny, media manipulation, and a notable shift in how Naughty Dog handles criticism. Ryan from Dark Outpost opens with a sharp critique of the developer’s attempts to control the story surrounding their controversial sequel. From early copyright strikes targeting critical YouTube channels—who were merely discussing leaks and criticism rather than distributing pirated content—to exceptional review restrictions pre-launch, Naughty Dog's aggressive tactics have not gone unnoticed.