The Last of Us Part II: Studio confirms players will not need to kill dogs to finish the game, after marketing copy sparks outrage

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy One of the creators of the hugely anticipated game The Last of Us Part II has responded to backlash after leaked promotional material suggested players would need to slaughter dogs to complete the game. Games retailer GameStop recently used some marketing copy which said: “The game doesn’t pull any punches or ‘stray’ from the idea that while you’re playing as Ellie to survive, killing dogs is necessary. “You’ll also have to deal with the fact though that each dog has an owner, which will call out the dog’s name and cry in absolute horror when they discover their lifeless furry best friend.” Naturally, the response to the promotion was one of outrage, with many online voicing their concern that a game would feature such realistic violence against animals. This text came from an independent editorial post from a retailer.” While The Last of Us Part II‘s co-director Anthony Newman has confirmed that you do not need to murder any canine foes in order to progress through the game, although it will be harder to finish without doing so.