This, ultimately, is what Naughty Dog is getting at in The Last of Us. "We're intrigued by this idea of extreme contrasts," says Druckmann. "There is extreme violence, we wanted the violence to be realistic and believable so the stakes are real. But this also contrast with the extreme emotions of loyalty and love, and the sacrifice that these characters are willing to make for each other. Also, we're exploring this dark theme of mankind being decimated, but it's juxtaposed with the beauty of nature reclaiming our society. We find that stuff gorgeous and inviting. We want to explore it."