The team behind Dead Island 2 marked the series' 14th anniversary on the 10th by teasing a future instalment. Given their cryptic hint that the zombie outbreak is far from over, it seems we can expect more of that signature visceral action where you turn the undead into pulp with an array of makeshift weaponry.

You can dig into the details over on the official Dead Island 2 Steam page. Dambuster Studios, the developers behind the second entry, noted that 'It has been 14 years since Dead Island first stranded players in the blood-soaked paradise of Banoi. Since then, the zombie apocalypse has spread from tropical shores to the sun-drenched HELL-A of Dead Island 2. Over 20 million slayers have left nothing but carnage in their wake.' This figure confirms that the player count for Dead Island 2 has now surpassed 20 million.

The developer added, 'However, this is not the end. Dambuster Studios is already crafting the next chapter. Details remain under wraps, but the nightmare is far from over.' A teaser image accompanied this announcement, showing Jacob—one of the playable characters from Dead Island 2—hauling a large backpack and suitcase, seemingly setting off for parts unknown.

Beyond these breadcrumbs, information on the next title is thin on the ground. Whether it will be a direct sequel, a spin-off, or perhaps a significant expansion or DLC for the second game remains a mystery. We shall have to keep a watchful eye for any further developments.

The original Dead Island launched on September 6, 2011. Back then, Techland helmed the project, focusing on the desperate struggle of four survivors fighting to stay alive. The game was lauded for its inventive combat, allowing players to scavenge junk and combine items to create makeshift tools of zombie-slaying destruction.

Dead Island 2, however, had a far rockier road. Announced in 2014, it languished in development hell for nine years before finally hitting shelves in April 2023, with Dambuster Studios taking over from Techland. Deep Silver, the publisher for both titles, revealed that after checking in on the project three to four weeks after the initial announcement, the state of the game was 'terrible', leading to the termination of the contract and a lengthy search for a new studio.

Despite the tumultuous production, Dead Island 2 sold over 3 million copies in its first year, and this latest announcement confirms it has amassed a player base of over 20 million. The real question now is whether the next project can navigate the road to release with a bit more grace than its predecessor.