Dambuster Studios Brings Dead Island 2 to Life

The wait is finally over, as Dead Island 2 hits the shelves. This game has been one of the most notable examples of a title stuck in development limbo, alongside other prominent games like Skull & Bones and Beyond Good & Evil 2. Initially announced in 2014 with a planned release date of Spring 2015, Dead Island 2 was first being developed by Yager, the studio behind Spec Ops: The Line. However, due to creative differences between Yager and publisher Deep Silver, the project was handed over to Sumo Digital, and later to Dambuster Studios, a studio formed from the remnants of Crytek UK, formerly known as Free Radical Design. Dambuster Studios took the reins in 2018, and game director David Stenton expressed that the team wasn't intimidated by the pressure of taking over a project that had been in development for six years. Instead, they were focused on honoring the legacy of the original Dead Island games and pushing the boundaries of the franchise. Stenton emphasized that the team wanted to celebrate the zombie genre, rather than taking a bleak or serious approach. They aimed to create a game that would revel in the excitement and spectacle of killing zombies in creative and bloody ways, inspired by the over-the-top nature of 80s horror movies. The game features a diverse cast of six playable characters, each with their own unique style and backstory. The team drew inspiration from the game's Los Angeles setting, aiming to capture the city's diversity and authenticity. The characters, including a Paralympian and a Hollywood stuntman, embody the game's pulp tone and antihero mentality. Dambuster Studios also focused on creating a wide range of quirky non-playable characters that inhabit the game's world, from luxurious mansions to iconic locations like Venice Beach and Hollywood Boulevard. The team worked hard to write unique character perspectives, making the game a fun and engaging experience. In terms of standing out in a crowded market, Stenton believes that Dead Island 2 offers a unique experience that combines over-the-top action, spectacular locations, and a lighthearted tone. While other zombie games may focus on gritty realism or serious storytelling, Dead Island 2 is all about embracing the fun and excitement of the zombie apocalypse. With its diverse cast, pulp tone, and focus on creative zombie-killing, Dead Island 2 is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the zombie genre. After years of anticipation, fans can finally experience the game that Dambuster Studios has worked tirelessly to bring to life.