The post-apocalyptic masterpiece that is The Last of Us has finally come to an end. The show’s gripping narrative, complex characters, and hauntingly beautiful world-building has left fans wanting more – and it’s easy to understand why.
The storytelling is emotionally resonant and thematically rich, with extreme highs and lows that leave you emotionally drained, yet satisfied.
One episode that is being hailed as one of the best of the series is episode 3, ‘Long, Long Time’. The episode is a standalone that expands on Bill and Frank’s relationship – which is only hinted at in the game.
A particular moment from episode 3 that stood out to me was Ellie, played by Bella Ramsay, finding a pack of Tampax in a basement while looting with Joel. In a world that has been ravaged by a fungal pandemic, turning most of humanity into monsters, Ellie finding sanitary products felt alien. It seemed strange to think about what would happen to our products and brands in an apocalypse.
That got me thinking – which other brands would be likely to survive after an outbreak and how would they serve us?
Nike
Nike champions athletes all over the world with the goal to inspire and innovate. ‘If you have a body, you are an athlete’. The company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sportswear. How would Nike fit into a post-apocalyptic world?
The outbreak of the fungal pandemic throws the characters into change, they don’t have a choice. They’re forced to leave their homes, travel the country by foot. Running is no longer a hobby, it’s the difference between life and death. Convenience becomes a luxury.
Nike has a wide range of products that are designed to be durable, comfortable, and long-lasting even in tough conditions. In a world where people would have to be constantly on the move and ready for anything. Nike’s products would be highly valued.
What we rely on day to day would be of no use. They would have to find another way to communicate, navigate and entertain themselves. They would have to innovate, and the next brand would do exactly that.
Apple
A brand that has always been associated with quality and innovation, is Apple. Their products are known for being durable and reliable, which are essential characteristics in a post-apocalyptic setting. During the covid pandemic we became reliant on technology to communicate, stay connected and source information. How would Apple fare in a disconnected world that has fallen into disarray like in The Last of Us?
Technology would be scarce. Finding an Apple device would be few and far between, but they would be invaluable. Their devices would be useful for communication, navigation, and entertainment, making them a valuable asset – all things we take for granted. Those who have them would be targets and those without them would do anything to get them.
Apple have been known for innovating and changing the way their industry operates. They would have no choice but to pivot into using their technology to try and save humanity. They could do this by building and designing devices that can be operated independently of any network, allowing survivors to communicate and build communities safely or alert others of danger. Technology to help fight the spreading fungal infection or at the very least identify it and how far along a victim may be.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is one of the biggest and most successful brands worldwide. The Coca-Cola Company has been in existence for over a century, and it has managed to maintain its popularity and relevance over the years. Their brand recognition is unmatched. That wouldn’t disappear overnight.
This is their bottle design brief that dates back to 1915: ‘A bottle so distinct that it could be recognised by touch in the dark or when lying broken on the ground’. That bottle is and will be recognisable for years to come.
Coca-Cola also has a long shelf life, their products would be able to withstand the test of time. Clean water is scarce in The Last of Us, Coca-Cola could be used as a substitute for water, especially since it’s available in airtight bottles. The sugar in Coca-Cola would provide survivors with the energy they need, and the caffeine would act as a stimulant, keeping them alert and focused.
Nike, Apple, and Coca-Cola are just a few examples of brands that would be able to withstand the test of time. These brands have proven themselves to be resilient in the face of adversity, adaptable in changing times and have key characteristics to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
If you’re a fan of The Last of Us, you might want to consider stocking up on these brands just in case. Which brands do you think would survive?
Looking for similar content to this? We turned Leeds Dock into something straight out of The Last of Us…
