The long-awaited and recently released zombie-thrashing sequelDead Island 2is enjoying massive success following almost a decade of uncertainty. First announced in 2014,Dead Island 2underwent three different studio changes during its nine-year stint in development hell, with Dambuster Studios finally being able to bring it to the finish line in 2023.It was late last summer at Gamescom 2022’s Opening Night Live whereDead Island 2was brought back into the video game zeitgeist once again with a shiny new gameplay trailer and a June 26, 2025 release date. Despite the vibrant coat of paint and impressive gore and dismemberment system, many gamers were both surprised and skeptical about the resurrection of the sequel after going dark for nine years. Having changed hands with four different studios,many believedDead Island 2would never see the light of day. However, after one more small delay to April 2023 Dambuster Studios, responsible forHomefront: The RevolutionandChorus, was finally able to push the reanimatedDead Islandsequel out the door to find massive success.RELATED:Dead Island 2 Has Rare But Helpful Feature On Epic Games StoreOn Twitter,Dead Islandcelebrated that the zombie-crushing sequel has sold one million copies just three days after its release. For context, the originalDead Islandsold five million copies from its launch in 2011 to 2013. Selling one million copies alone is no small feat, but this achievement is even more impressive consideringDead Island 2’s challenging development circumstances.
This one million milestone is especially galvanizing seeing that the sequel is out just a week before the release of thehighly anticipated blockbusterStar Wars Jedi: Survivor.Additionally, one would think many gamers would be skipping a game likeDead Island 2in favor of spending their funds on the several storied video game franchises releasing major new titles in the weeks head likeDiablo 4,Final Fantasy 16, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomandStreet Fighter 6.
It seems like the resurrection story surroundingDead Island 2may have helped it gain the notoriety it needed to climb out of the nine-year hole it was stuck in. In addition to that, the linear, vibrant zombie-slaying adventure set in LA hearkens back to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 generation that it originated from. Perhaps nostalgia for that simpler era of zombie games combined with itsstunning visuals and a grotesque and dynamic gore systemhelped give it the appeal it needed to draw in one million players in its first three days. It will be interesting to see ifDead Island 2will continue to be a big hit in the coming weeks as other major games like the aforementionedStar Wars Jedi: SurvivorandThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomget ready to release.
Dead Island 2is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
