Earlier this month, Naughty Dog released the long-awaited sequel to their critically acclaimed video game The Last of Us. Despite receiving rave reviews from critics and becoming the “fastest-selling PlayStation 4 exclusive ever,” the narrative choices the studio took has led to a particularly emphatic divide within the community. However, there’s more to it than dissenting opinions and general dislike of Naughty Dog’s story decisions. As a matter of fact, actors are getting harassed with “vile” hate.

Since The Last of Us Part 2 released, there’s been a stir of controversy and discussion around the game, especially regarding the direction the studio took with the story. In a podcast called Talking Games with Reggie and Harold as seen below, the game’s director Neil Druckmann addressed a key idea he has already shed light on before. Druckmann said, “I think you have to create some separation to say, we made this game, we believe in this game, we’re proud of this game. Now it’s out there and it’s like whatever reaction people have–whether they like it or not–that’s fair and that’s their reaction and you don’t fight that.”

However, a fair number of “fans” have taken it a step further and began harassing actors for their portrayal of characters in The Last of Us Part 2. Netizens have spewed “vile stuff” to team and cast members and those comments in particular are hard to ignore. Criticism and feedback naturally come with highly-anticipated sequels or adaptations – that’s a given. However, threats and harassment of individuals, especially if they simply portrayed a fictional character? That’s where Druckmann and team draw the line.

“We have an actor that she’s been getting really awful, vile stuff because of a fictional character she’s playing in the game,” Druckmann told Reggie Fils-Aime and Harold Goldberg. “Which I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around that. The thing I try to do is just ignore it as much as I can. When things escalate to being serious, there are certain security protocols that we take and I forward it to the proper authorities and then you just try to focus on the positives and focus on distracting yourself with other stuff.”

Thankfully, Naughty Dog and team are taking measures to protect their team members and actors, but it’s unfortunate that harassment and threats are an issue in the first place. I’m all for thinking critically and providing thoughtful feedback, but the line gets drawn when there’s malice and the potential of danger involved.

Do you think the hate or harassment of actors and developers are justified? What are your thoughts on the game? Let us know what you think in the comments section below or start a conversation on Don’t Feed the Gamers Facebook page. To stay up to date on gaming and entertainment news as it happens, follow us on Twitter! Here are some of our latest:

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