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Ryan asserts that the reluctance and fear among some reviewers to criticize The Last of Us Part II stem from behind-the-scenes pressure. According to his analysis, Sony and Naughty Dog have gone to extreme lengths—including false advertising, fake gameplay trailers, and restricted review embargoes—to shield their product from negative feedback.
Most notably, Ryan highlights reports that Naughty Dog or Sony reps reached out directly to critics who issued unfavorable reviews, urging them to reconsider their opinions under threats of consequences such as denied access to future games or special behind-the-scenes content. This tactic is said to contribute to a climate where reviewers feel intimidated, leading many to write more favorable reviews despite their honest opinions.