PlayStation has removed The Last of Us 2 from PS4’s Store and issued refunds

Sony has removed The Last of Us Part 2 from the PlayStation Store, following its indefinite delay last week.

In a statement on its support page, the platform holder confirmed it would be issuing refunds to customers who have pre-ordered the digital version of the game, with more information set to arrive via email.

Iron Man VR, another first-party title delayed indefinitely, has also been removed from the PlayStation Store and refunds issued.

The Last of Us Part 2’s release was postponed indefinitely due to disruption caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, developer Naughty Dog claimed that even though development on the game was almost complete, “logistical issues” caused by the pandemic meant it wouldn’t be able to make sure “everyone gets to play [the game] around the same time.”

However, according to Last of Us Part 2’s creative director PlayStation hasn’t made a final decision on a potential early digital release for the game.

Speaking in an interview with the Official PlaySation Blogcast, Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann said the developer was considering “all sorts of different options” for how to release the sequel “as soon as possible”.

However, the writer and designer suggested he wanted to avoid a similar situation to FFVII Remake where “a small fraction of people” get the game early.

Asked if Naughty Dog could still release the game digitally in time for its original May release date, Druckmann replied:

“There hasn’t been a final decision yet. Right now we’re just reacting to… it’s a different retail chain, whether we could get physical copies to people, is the internet infrastructure there to support all countries…

“This is a worldwide game that people in every country are waiting for and we want to make sure that we’re fair. If we just get [the game] to a small fraction of people, what does it do to all the people who don’t get it?

“We’re right now looking at all sorts of different options. What’s the best way to get it to all our fans as soon as possible? That’s going to take time for things to shift and to figure things out and also see where the world’s at: things are changing from day-to-day.”

Asked if Naughty Dog could appease fans with the release of a demo similar to one shown to press last year, Druckmann said he’d rather focus on finishing the final game.