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The video also delves into the controversy surrounding the game's marketing. Ryan reports that Naughty Dog engaged in fake trailers, false gameplay footage, and misleading advertisements, all intended to mislead fans and critics about the game's content. These measures were designed to ensure the story’s major revelations remained concealed until release, even at the expense of honesty and transparency.
The Emotional and Censorship Struggles with Storytelling
A core issue for critics has been the story itself, especially the controversial treatment of beloved characters like Joel. Ryan quotes reviews, such as Vice’s, that critique the game's bleakness, violence, and storytelling choices, highlighting how the narrative had to be tightly controlled under strict embargoes.