Worldwide smash TV show The Last of Us is being adapted into a board game by a city company after some remarkable crowdfunding success.

Themeborne, based in Whiffler Road in Mile Cross, has been given the reins to turn the popular video game and recent TV series into a tabletop adventure.

The initial Kickstarter pulled in more than 9,000 backers and raised £861,076 to bring the game to life, with late pledges still available.

Norwich Evening News: The Last of Us: Escape the Dark raised more than £800K from its initial Kickstarter campaignThe Last of Us: Escape the Dark raised more than £800K from its initial Kickstarter campaign (Image: Themeborne)

Themeborne is known for its 'Escape the Dark' series which takes inspiration from choose your own adventure books of old, giving players multiple ways to tackle situations.

The company said: "We look forward to bringing you the next iteration of our series - The Last of Us: Escape the Dark.

"The game is one-to-five players and a new way to experience the world of The Last of Us.

"Fans will have the opportunity to weave their own unique story of survival and companionship as they explore an open-world map, attempting to make their way to safety while keeping everybody in the group alive.

Norwich Evening News: Neil Druckmann, co-president of Naughty Dog, creator of The Last of Us franchiseNeil Druckmann, co-president of Naughty Dog, creator of The Last of Us franchise (Image: Luke Fontana)

"Players will make choices about which route to take and resolve immersive 'chapter cards' at familiar locations from the game.

"It also has a simple, satisfying crafting and weapon upgrade system which can be utilised to give players the edge in whatever strategy they choose to employ."

Themeborne is working with multi-award-winning video game company Naughty Dog, which created The Last of Us video game franchise.

Norwich Evening News: The Last of Us: Escape the Dark board game is playable with up to five peopleThe Last of Us: Escape the Dark board game is playable with up to five people (Image: Themeborne)

Neil Druckmann, co-president of Naughty Dog, said: "I’ve been a massive fan of Themeborne's Escape the Dark board games.

"Now I couldn't be happier to see their game design continue to evolve with The Last of Us.

"We're excited to see Joel, Ellie and more of our beloved characters take on new life through stunning artwork and mechanics that immerse players in."

Norwich Evening News: The Last of Us started off as a video game in 2013 which has spawned sequels and recently a HBO TV seriesThe Last of Us started off as a video game in 2013 which has spawned sequels and recently a HBO TV series (Image: PA Media)

What is The Last of Us?

Released in 2013, the video game sees players control Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting a teenage girl, Ellie, across a post-apocalyptic United States.

As of December 2022, the franchise has sold 37 million copies worldwide.

HBO's The Last of Us was released last month - on Sky in the UK - with Joel and Ellie being played by actor Pedro Pascal and co-star Bella Ramsey.

The series premiere was watched by 4.7 million viewers on the first day.

Norwich Evening News: The Last of Us HBO TV series released on January 15, 2023 to critical acclaimThe Last of Us HBO TV series released on January 15, 2023 to critical acclaim (Image: PA Media)