'The Last of Us 2' release date rumors: Sequel set to come out in 2017?

When the action-adventure survival horror video game, "The Last of U" was released in 2013, many people immediately talked about its possible sequel. Although game developer Naughty Dog has yet to officially confirm the development of the game, there are speculations that the company will start with the production anytime soon. The second installment is said to feature more horror than the original and it will arrive sometime in 2017.

It was already revealed by game director Neil Druckmann that they are already brainstorming for a possible plot for the upcoming "The Last of Us 2."

During a recent interview with Southern California Public Radio or SCPR, Druckmann revealed that the story of the sequel will start in the middle.

"We don't write the story chronologically, I'll usually start in the middle," Druckmann said during the SCPR interview. "With 'The Last Of Us' it was the middle of the journey where Joel and Ellie were already together and we will write several scenes in succession for that area as we're building a level and as the gameplay mechanics are coming together."

The game director also revealed that it took three and a half years for the company to complete the current "The Last of Us" game. If the timeline has to be followed, there is a big possibility that the production of the second installment has already started.

As of the moment, Naughty Dog has continued to stay mum about "The Last of Us 2." Despite the rampant rumor about its development and release date, the company has yet to release any official statement.

During the recent Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3, many fans expected Naughty Dog to provide concrete details about the rumored sequel. Unfortunately, fans were left disappointed after the company decided to skip the new title at the event.

For now, fans will have to wait for the game developer to officially announce the sequel. Until then, all rumors and speculations must be taken with a grain of salt.