The team involved in creating The Last of Us Part II has spoken out about the vicious online abuse being directed at them online following the game's release.
PlayStation's highly anticipated sequel was released last month to rave reviews and became the fastest-selling PS4 exclusive ever, but not everyone is a fan.
The groundbreaking game has triggered many online trolls into attacking its creative director, actors, studio Naughty Dog and other associated targets.
"You can love or hate the game and share your thoughts about it. Unfortunately too many of the messages I've been getting are vile, hateful and violent," tweeted the director, Neil Druckmann.
Druckmann, who was born in Israel, shared screenshots of some of the abuse which includes death threats, homophobic and anti-Semitic slurs - even a racist caricature of a Jewish person frequently used in Nazi Germany.
Meanwhile, Laura Bailey, who voices the character of Abbey in The Last of Us Part II, also shared on Twitter death threats directed at her, her children and her parents.
She received an outpouring of support as a result.
"Damn. The amount of encouraging responses to this..." Bailey tweeted.
"I've always believed that good people far outweigh the bad. Thanks for reminding me of that today."
The Last of Us Part II was targeted by hackers who leaked lengthy videos of the unfinished game ahead of its release as part of a hate campaign, with trolls upset at its emphasis on female characters and inclusion of gay, Jewish and trans characters.
Some critics and fans are also upset with the narrative direction of the second game and in particular the killing of a major character.
Despite all the accolades it's been showered with, The Last of Us Part II's haters are apparently attacking it with an unprecedented ferocity.
"Although we welcome critical discussion, we condemn any form of harassment or threats directed towards our team and cast," Naughty Dog said in a statement.
"Their safety is our top priority, but we must all work together to root out this type of behaviour and maintain a constructive and compassionate discourse."
Druckmann has also received an outpouring of support following his sharing of the abuse he's received.
It's not yet been announced if there will be a third The Last of Us game.
