Sony has issued out multiple emails to websites and writers around the web saying that it has not only identified the leakers behind The Last of Us: Part 2, but it has found that said leakers have no “affiliation” with Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) or Naughty Dog.
According to Sony and its emails, the company basically notes that the rumors regarding disgruntled employees are false. Although some people are calling it damage control on Sony and Naughty Dog’s end, what is for certain is that the former company is issuing out “correction letters” en masse.
Furthermore, gamesindustry.biz received the following letter from Sony, which reads:
“Sony has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that it has identified the primary individuals responsible for the leaks earlier this week, saying they were not affiliated with Sony Interactive Entertainment or Naughty Dog, as was rumored.
The publisher declined to comment further, saying that the information was currently subject to an ongoing investigation.”
This information that Sony provided to said website sparked excitement in the disingenuous vice president of Naughty Dog, Neil Druckmann, encouraging him to post the following message on his Twitter account:
Glad this got cleared up, but there are a lot of other false rumors out there. Looking forward to discussing all of this once the game is out.
(Avoid comments if you don’t want spoilers) ❤️ https://t.co/q5U3aMnhse
— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) May 1, 2020
As per Druckmann, there are “a lot of other false rumors” that need to be cleared up, but clarification can only happen after the sequel to the 2013 game hits store shelves and the digital scene.
In the meantime, arstechnica.com covered Sony saying in an email that The Last of Us: Part 2 leaks were disheartening (further proving the validity of the various leaked footage). Sony’s full response to the leaks sit below:
“We’re disappointed that anyone would release unauthorized pre-launch footage of The Last of Us Part II, disrupt years of Naughty Dog’s hard work and ruin the experience for fans worldwide. We want everyone to have the opportunity to play The Last of Us Part II at the same time and ask that viewing or sharing of the unauthorized footage be avoided.”
As of May 1st, 2020, the same website received another email from a Sony rep, detailing word on the situation regarding the leakers:
“Identified the primary individuals responsible for the unauthorized release of TLOU2 assets. They are not affiliated with Naughty Dog or SIE. We are unable to comment further because the information is subject to an ongoing investigation. We’re looking forward to when The Last of Us Part II will be in your hands and can’t wait for you to enjoy the full experience on June 19.”
So what can we gather from all of this? Well, Sony has found the leakers. These leakers — that spread the initial or first footage of the game — supposedly have no affiliation with SIE or Naughty Dog. And lastly, Sony and Druckmann will comment later on the situation after The Last of Us: Part 2 releases for PS4 on June 19th, 2020.
