Zombie survival franchise Dead Island is shuffling back into the spotlight with some new announcements from developer Dambuster Studios and publisher Deep Silver.
Dead Island 2, the long-awaited sequel first announced in 2014, finally lurched onto PlayStation, Xbox and PC in April 2022. Now, nearly a year after its initial launch, Dead Island 2 has set a Steam release date of April 22, 2023, bringing the chaotic co-op zombie bashing to a new platform.
To celebrate Dead Island’s return, Deep Silver has launched some promotions for the series. The original Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition is free on Steam until February 15, providing the perfect opportunity for newcomers to experience the franchise’s beginnings. Additionally, Dead Island Definitive Edition and retro-style spin-off Dead Island: Retro Revenge are heavily discounted by 85% and 75% respectively.
Long-Awaited Sequel Shuffles to Steam
After years in development hell, many had written off Dead Island 2 entirely until it suddenly re-emerged with a new developer in 2019. Dambuster Studios took over the project and aimed to retain the original’s visceral first-person melee combat while dialing up the chaotic fun. Reviews praised Dead Island 2’s dark humor and gratuitous, over-the-top gore, making it a competent if familiar take on cooperative zombie slaying.
While no game-changer, Deep Silver is keeping Dead Island 2 alive with new content, including a November 2022 DLC expansion called Haus. A second expansion called SOLA Festival is slated for 2023, promising more splattery undead hijinks.
Promotions for Original Dead Island Games
As Dead Island 2 shambles onto Steam, it offers violent catharsis in a recognizable but refreshed package fans waited nearly a decade for. With free and discounted original games, Deep Silver is inviting a wider audience to join in the carnage.
