Why Did Naughty Dog Choose Pittsburgh for The Last of Us?

Introduction

The city of Pittsburgh, known for its beautiful blend of history and modernity, serves as a critical backdrop in the popular video game series The Last of Us. This article explores the reasons behind Naughty Dog's choice of Pittsburgh, focusing on its unique urban landscape, narrative significance, historical context, and gameplay opportunities.

Unique Urban Landscape

Pittsburgh's distinctive architecture and urban decay provide a visually striking backdrop for the game's post-apocalyptic setting. The city's blend of industrial structures, bridges, and natural landscapes creates a diverse and immersive environment for the player to explore. The game developers utilized Pittsburgh's urban decay to its full potential, enhancing the emotional depth of the game's world.

Narrative Significance

Choosing Pittsburgh allowed for a compelling narrative arc. The city serves as a critical point in Joel and Ellie's journey, highlighting themes of survival, danger, and human connection amidst chaos. The contrast between the bustling and decaying city provides a stark reminder of the post-apocalyptic world, making the storyline all the more poignant.

Historical Context

Pittsburgh's history as a manufacturing hub significantly contributed to the game's atmosphere. The remnants of its industrial past align with the themes of decline and resilience, making the game's world feel authentic and lived-in. This historical context adds depth to the narrative, making the player's journey more relatable and emotionally charged.

Gameplay Opportunities

The layout of Pittsburgh provided numerous opportunities for varied gameplay mechanics, including stealth combat and exploration. The city's urban environment allowed for intricate level design, encouraging players to engage with the surroundings in creative ways. The diverse terrain and structures offered endless possibilities for player interaction, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Cultural Resonance

Naughty Dog aimed to evoke a sense of authenticity and relatability by selecting a recognizable yet less commonly featured city in video games. Pittsburgh's unique blend of aesthetics, history, and modernity made it an ideal choice for the game. The cultural resonance and historical significance of Pittsburgh contribute to the game's emotional impact, strengthening the connection between players and the characters.

Background and Inspiration

The choice of Pittsburgh as a backdrop can be traced back to the educational and professional background of the developers. Many of the developers, including some from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) or the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, had a strong connection to the city. The presence of entrepreneurial companies like Schell Games further cemented the city's relevance in the gaming industry.

Photogenic and Historical Landmarks

One of the standout features of Pittsburgh is its photogenic skyline, which has made it a preferred location for film and television production. Landmarks such as the Cathedral of Learning, Heinz Chapel, and the PPG buildings create a visually stunning cityscape. The architecture is not only beautiful but also evokes the city's historical significance, making it a perfect setting for The Last of Us.

Involvement in Filmmaking

Pittsburgh's photogenic qualities have also attracted the attention of filmmakers. Recent movies such as The Dark Knight Rises and The Next Three Days feature prominent Pittsburgh landmarks, while older films like Inspector Gadget have also utilized the city's scenery. This demonstrates Pittsburgh's ability to serve as a versatile and recognizable backdrop in various media.

Videogame Landmarks

Pittsburgh is not unfamiliar with being a setting in video games. The Fallout 3 series notably uses Pittsburgh as a backdrop, with the addition of its DLC to enhance the experience. This further underscores the city's suitability for video game development, aligning well with the storytelling and setting needs of games like The Last of Us.

Conclusion

The choice of Pittsburgh for The Last of Us was a strategic decision that considered the unique urban landscape, narrative significance, historical context, and gameplay opportunities. The city's photogenic and historically rich environment contributed significantly to the game's success, cementing its place in the hearts of gamers and history-books alike.