The controversial death of Joel in 'The Last of Us Part II', occurring early in the game and recently depicted in the HBO series, has sparked intense debate among fans regarding narrative choices, character development, and the overall direction of the franchise. This event has led to review bombing and divided opinions within the gaming community since 2020.

The early demise of Joel Miller, a central character from 'The Last of Us,' in 'The Last of Us Part II' has ignited considerable controversy. Players, attached to Joel and his relationship with Ellie, expressed outrage following his brutal murder at the hands of Abby, the daughter of a doctor Joel killed in the previous game.

'Viewers still stunned or shaking from the brutal twist in Sunday’s episode of “the last of us” may find it no surprise that the same scene fueled an online backlash when it unfolded in a video game five years ago,' reported The New York Times.

The backlash included review bombing and criticism aimed at the developers, Naughty Dog, for the narrative shift away from Joel’s perspective. This decision significantly altered the game's tone and focus, as the game explored themes of revenge and moral ambiguity. Looking ahead, the ramifications of Joel's death could heavily influence the storyline and character arcs in future installments of 'The Last of Us' franchise, while impacting the fanbase dynamics.