I have not read these leaks. I'm not a mega fan, but it bummed me out when I heard not only details of the sequel were vomited onto the internet (ew, how tacky), but that some people were already bitching. It's impossible to adequately contextualize a video game story before you've experienced it as intended, so I am on the fence until I can critique it first-hand. I have no idea why anyone would read leaks like that and then complain. What an unnatural way to peer behind the curtain at Naughty Dog's vision. Anyone who devours info this way and ends up feeling burned by it has no one to blame but themselves. They'll possibly never know if they would have enjoyed the revelations they're currently objecting to under the ideal conditions. Some people can read spoilers and it enhances the experience for them, I get it, but...this is a bit weirder.
Regarding numbers: I bet the amount of people who think inserting very modern social or cultural themes into the things they like is 'outrageous' or 'unrealistic' is relatively low. I'm only guessing, but I'd say it's definitely less then half of the LoU fanbase, if that, whether it be because they are opposed to said things, or think it's something that feels artificial and motivated by the writers' beliefs rather than natural character development.
One of those reasons at least has the possibility of being discussed reasonably and intelligently; it doesn't require intolerant views or knee-jerk backlash to question whether writing decisions may have been made for reasons that weren't to do with what was best for the story, but as a platform for a personal crusade or something. It happens -- sometimes it even makes art better -- but there isn't enough to go on to say one way or another, so it's insanely premature to draw any conclusions so soon.
I don't know... Even though I find the topic interesting, it doesn't apply to my personality. It's hard for me because I accept art for what it is and either like it or dislike it based on only one thing: my opinion of its quality. Not what it is, but how it is. I'm the same with people, so it's hard for me to quantify something that is totally opposite to me.
I detest The Last of Us 1's story on paper; I think it's clichéd and a hodge podge of better works, but the acting, characters and setting are masterfully done and make it work when interwoven. It would make no sense for me to bitch about its story if I hadn't digested it in relation to the rest of other vital components. The story is only a skeleton when you can't see the flesh.
I trust in creative peoples' visions, so let's judge how well they've developed these character arcs when we can actually play the game. Who knows, maybe I'll agree that the writing decisions were politically motivated or suck, maybe I won't, but...I haven't played it yet.
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