Significant The Last of Us Part 2 story spoilers have been published online.

The story elements have leaked via several gameplay videos showing new areas, cut-scenes and menus. The videos in question have been pulled from YouTube but are being actively circulated on social media sites.

They show key scenes from the unreleased PS4 sequel and contain significant story spoilers. It’s the second time this month unauthorised videos of The Last of Us Part 2 have appeared online, following the game’s most recent delay.

On April 2, The Last of Us Part 2’s release date was postponed indefinitely due to disruption caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (the game’s release had previously been delayed from February to May 2020).

UPDATE: Sony has announced new release dates for The Last of Us Part 2 and Ghost of Tsushima.

Original story continues: Naughty Dog cited logistical issues caused by the pandemic and suggested preserving story surprises was a factor in the decision.

In a statement, the developer said it wanted to make sure that all players were able to play The Last of Us 2 around the same time so that it could “preserve the best experience for everyone.”

COVID-19 has significantly disrupted goods distribution and created a challenging environment for publishers attempting to coordinate boxed and digital game releases.

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One recent example is Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Many fans received their physical versions of the RPG a full week ahead of those waiting for the digital release, as publisher Square Enix shipped early in an attempt to ensure that all players received the game by its official release.

Following The Last of Us 2’s delay, creative director Neil Druckmann suggested PlayStation could yet decide to release the game early digitally. And with story spoilers now openly circulating, it could potentially have the incentive to do so.

However, the writer and designer suggested that if possible he wanted to avoid a similar situation to FFVII Remake where “a small fraction of people” get the game early.

Asked if Naughty Dog could still release the game digitally in time for its previously targeted May release date, Druckmann told the Official PlaySation Blogcast:

“There hasn’t been a final decision yet. Right now we’re just reacting to… it’s a different retail chain, whether we could get physical copies to people, is the internet infrastructure there to support all countries…

“This is a worldwide game that people in every country are waiting for and we want to make sure that we’re fair. If we just get [the game] to a small fraction of people, what does it do to all the people who don’t get it?

“We’re right now looking at all sorts of different options. What’s the best way to get it to all our fans as soon as possible? That’s going to take time for things to shift and to figure things out and also see where the world’s at: things are changing from day-to-day.”

Asked if Naughty Dog could appease fans with the release of a demo similar to one shown to press last year, Druckmann said he’d rather focus on finishing the final game.