The next installment of "The Last of Us" could arrive in 2016, if previous reports speak the truth. This article provides a rundown of industry speculations, all aimed at the much-awaited, post-apocalyptic adventure sequel.

Sony Kills Rumors

In January 2014, IGN took note of allegations, which claim that developer Naughty Dog has been working on "The Last of Us 2." Dubbed to succeed 2013's original title, the sequel was thought to arrive by 2015.

At that time, IGN contacted Sony for comment, to which the gaming giant responded, "Thanks for reaching out. However, we do not comment on rumor or speculation."

Brainstorming Commences

A month later, people behind the franchise appeared to consider venturing into the idea. Creative director Neil Druckmann told Eurogamer, "We have started brainstorming some stuff. To be honest, some of them are sequel ideas, and some of them are brand new IP - we've spent the last few weeks brainstorming new IP."

The outlet later updated its report with Druckmann's tip that the sequel has a 50-50 chance of getting made.

Sequel Reportedly Confirmed

Druckmann's statement of "sequel ideas" catapulted rumor mills since then. September 2014 arrived and a number of reports have attested to the sequel's confirmation. The Venture Capital Post wrote, "KDrama Stars confirms what Hypable first reported, claiming the game is officially confirmed."

Now this could all sound misleading as no official word has come direct from Naughty Dog and/or Sony, but it is clear that "The Last of Us 2" is badly wanted. The VC Post went on to cite information from KDrama Stars, which noted the game's release date to be 2016.

Information Slips

Interestingly, TechRadar was able to spot the LinkedIn profile of Avalanche Studios senior character artist Michael Knowland. Accordingly, Knowland is a former Naughty Dog artist who has spent one month of "prototyping head sculpts" for "The Last of Us 2."

The information is now defunct, but YouTube user BabyPowdurr was able to take a screenshot Knowland's profile. See it for yourself in this video.

Rumors aside, we've curated five things which would be nice to expect in the sequel. Check them out below:

1. Across Borders

It is known that the original title has explored much of the United States. For "The Last of Us 2," Arcade Sushi suggested exploring "a new part" of the infected world, much like Europe and Southeast Asia.

Even better, why not let characters roam around other worlds, and let players choose from these locations?

2. A Different Era

Arcade Sushi wrote that the original title was set around 20 years from the initial outbreak. The outlet suggested setting the time period within the outbreak.

The source wrote, "Watching a society crumble will always be entertaining."

3. Fresh Faces

Users from a Reddit thread expressed their desire to see new characters, on top of Ellie and Joel. Given that the sequel comes with a wider setting, it's really tempting to place more characters than just two main protagonists and a few more. It would also be great if these new people are all playable.

4. More Weapons

A post from this PlayStation forum wrote, "TLOU is very balanced, a couple new loadout weapons would keep things fresh however."

A wide selection of weapons will always be desirable, and if new enemies actually come in the picture, new weapons to deal with them might come handy.

5. Other Consoles?

One user from this Wikia thread wished for another fantastic storyline, better graphics and a grown-up Ellie. Finally, the post finished, "Please release in another console other than the PlayStation."

"The Last of Us" is currently available on the PS3 and PS4.

See Aesop's fan-made trailer below!