20 Most Controversial Games of the 2020s (So Far)

And finally, no video game this decade has proven as globally controversial as The Last of Us Part II.

The trouble for the long-awaited sequel began roughly two months before release, when gameplay footage leaked online revealing that -spoiler alert- Joel was killed early in the game.

Though many naturally avoided the leaks, this merely lit the spark for a firecracker of outrage which violently exploded when the game released in June 2020.

Joel's early death and Naughty Dog's decision to have players take control of his killer, Abby, for roughly half the game left many fans furious, even while a less-vocal swath of players respected the bold storytelling choices and incisive commentary on the futility of revenge.

The polarising nature of the sequel's story and overall execution frankly makes it a tough game to talk about online while avoiding the most toxic quarters of the fandom, many of whom felt they were "owed" an entirely different game.

Though The Last of Us Part II's gameplay and technical aspects are basically beyond reproach, the how and why of its narrative remains hugely contentious over five years later - and likely always will.