HBO’s ‘The Last Of Us’ Series Cuts Back On Video Game Violence

HBO’s upcoming The Last Of Us series is cutting back on video game violence. Created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the series is an adaptation of a 2013 video game franchise of the same name. The action-adventure game attained popularity due to its unique premise. In the game, the players control the central character, Joel, who is a smuggler tasked with escorting a teenager, Ellie, across the United States. However, it isn’t as easy as it seems as they have to defend themselves against cannibalistic creatures infected by a mutated fungus. So, how is the TV adaptation different from the video game? Keep reading to find out the details!

The Last Of Us Video Game Is Known For Vividly Detailed Violence

The game attracts players’ attention given the relationship between Ellie and Joel. However, what makes it one of the greatest video games ever made are the gore and violent elements. Yet, HBO has decided to scale back on the violence level making it more watchable for younger viewers. As per CBR.com, only the required amount of violence will make it to the TV adaptation.

[Source: YouTube]

The Last Of Us video game franchise is lauded for its intimate storytelling in a post-apocalyptic world. However, it is the moment-to-moment vividly detailed violence like heads caved in, and brains splattered on walls that make it so unique.

Druckmann’s Co-Creator Introduced The Idea To Reduce Violence

Detailing the need for violence reduction, Druckmann explained, “We need a certain amount of action, or violence, that we could use for mechanics so you could connect with Joel and get into a flow state. Then you would really feel like you’re connected with this on-screen avatar and you’re seeing the world through his eyes.”

[Source: YouTube]

Druckmann further revealed how his co-creator Craig Mazin brought up the idea of removing all violence except the essential ones. He said, “One of the things that I loved hearing from Craig and HBO very early on was, ‘Let’s take out all the violence except for the very essential.’ That allowed the violence to have even more impact than in the game. Because when you hold on showing the threat and you’re seeing people’s reaction to a threat that makes it scarier.”

**Why Was The Last Of Us Movie Adaptation Shelved?**

He further explained more about the infected and the Clickers that make it to the series. Druckmann added that the characters will justify what brought down humanity and the reason everyone is scared. The Last Of Us was originally planned as a movie adaptation. However, it was shelved given the creative differences between Sony and Druckman.