The first story was such a big story in the context of the world and Joel's decision had such monumental consequences. Every other possible story might seem diminished and unimportant. There's not much interesting to do in a post apocalyptic world.

One possible interesting scenario: A story based around Ellie's child (30 years in the future, same age as Ellie in TLOU). That's another possibility for someone who could have a large impact on that world.

Pretty certain we don't really need an official announcement for this, it just makes too much sense.

If its an open world game then I have no problem.

But you're not actually stating facts just wanted to point that out...

On Topic:

If they do make  another game I think it should be made around Marlene and the Fireflies and how she bacame the head of the fire flies and how she met Ellie. OR it skips to a timeline where Ellie is an adult and finds out about the decision Joel made when she was still a kid. Those are two of the only things I can see working. Making there are other ways but it is early and I can't think too hard before breakfast lol.

I don't think the original will be affected if they go for a new set of characters a new setting etc. 

after all there is a whole planet of stories to tell.

Sounds good! Was kinda hoping that ND would move past the linear shooter genre, but ah well, it's an excellent game and it would be a disservice to not continue it, I guess.

It doesn't necessarily mean that ND will make TLOU 2. What this article confirms is that TLOU 2 is not out of the question. I, myself, am interested on a second iteration of the IP, especially since the world of TLOU is quite expansive. ND has a lot of options at tackling the second game, whether it be a continuation of Ellie's story, the events leading up to the pandemic, or a brand new story about a different group of people.

Of course they're making a TLOU sequel. It was massively successful, and when was the last time Naughty Dog made a standalone game? Have they ever?

I would be much more on board with that concept.  Maybe see what happened in other continents?  Europe could be a great setting with a diverse cast.

A Last of Us sequel is basically a given from all the success the game got, the real question is what will they do with the sequel. There are so many different angles they can take with this sequel because the ending of the original is so open that they can go many different directions with it or just start over with a new cast. I think a Last of Us sequel with Ellie and Joel can work well if done right because there was a lot of questions left unanswered that can be explored in the next game like:

*SPOILERS*

What happened to the rest of the fireflys? Will Ellie trust and stay with Joel? Are there still remaining fireflys still searching for the cure and if so will they still go after Ellie? Will Ellie find out the truth?

I can understand why many don't want a sequel with Ellie and Joel because the ending was so good by leaving it ambiguous with just a simple "Okay" to answer all the questions but if Naughty Dog wanted they could easily just have the sequel start were it left off.

I personally would like a new cast because theirs so much you can do in that world they could do the new game through the struggles of being a hunter or being a firefly after the rampage Joel went on in the hospital. Or something like Ellie in the future when shes an adult and she slowly comes to terms that she will have to sacrifice herself for the sake of humanity.