'The Last of Us 2' release date news: Release date teased by Naughty Dog employee?

Naughty Dog is keeping mum on details about the rumored sequel of its hit game, "The Last of Us." In fact, the company has vehemently denied that "The Last of Us 2" is being developed. However, fans believe Neil Druckmann and his team of developers are just trying to pull one on overeager fans to keep their anticipation high.

Rumors left and right, with the latest pointing to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2017 as possible release venue, have hounded the purported release date of "The Last of Us 2." Other rumors claim the game will officially be released in 2018, although the announcement for a release date will be made at the E3. Again, Naughty Dog is not confirming anything.

According to the rumor mill, "The Last of Us 2" will be a continuation of the maiden offering, since the original game left so many questions hanging for fans. There are also rumors that Ellie will be all alone in this installment, searching post-apocalyptic wastelands to find a cure to the virus.

What's keeping fans hopeful that "The Last of Us 2" will happen are supposed leaks and hints that point to the game as being already in the pipeline. There were reports that Naughty Dog hired a bunch of game designers for a new project of epic proportions. Some are even saying that the company's current project, "Uncharted 4," is revealing many Easter eggs about "The Last of Us 2."

Druckmann claims they haven't given thought to developing "The Last of Us 2." However, Frag Hero reports that during a live stream featuring Naughty Dog's Josh Scherr, Eric Monacelli, and Eric Baldwin, Scherr may have hinted the fate of the sequel. During the interview, Scherr apparently referred to "The Last of Us" being the "first" game in the title, thereby slyly suggesting there is a second game.

While the slip came from a Naughty Dog employee, fans are cautioned to take the news and the interview with a grain of salt. The only time anyone can confirm the existence of "The Last of Us 2" is if Naughty Dog or Druckmann provides a specific release date.

In the meantime, keep coming back for updates on "The Last of Us 2."