Outbreak Day is getting a new name this year.
For the past few years, September 26th has been known as Outbreak Day by The Last of Us developer Naughty Dog. In The Last of Us, it is the day that the cordyceps brain infection reached its height. Naughty Dog celebrates that day every year, providing new The Last of Us content. However, the event will soon see a change in name.
On Twitter, Naughty Dog announced that they will be changing the special day's name to The Last of Us Day. The developer stated that the change was made due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They did not feel right continuing to call the date Outbreak Day, and felt the need to make the change.
"For the last 7 years, September 26 has been our opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible passion of The Last of Us community," Naughty Dog stated. "However, as we thought about the events of the last year and the challenges we will continue to face withy COVID-19, we didn't feel right continuing on under the 'Outbreak Day' banner. While the name and date are rooted in the fiction of the game, September 26 means so much more than lore. It's about showing our appreciation for our fans.
"That's why, this Saturday and moving forward, September 26 will be known as The Last of Us Day - a name that not only acknowledges the world around us, but also reflects the growth of the community as we welcome millions of new players with the release of The Last of Us Part II. We have a lot of exciting things planned and we can't wait to share them with you in just a few days!"
The Last of Us Part II is available now for the PlayStation 4.
