In April 2023, Dead Island 2 was finally released after one of the most turbulent development cycles in recent gaming history. First announced in 2014, the title endured almost a decade of setbacks, including multiple studio changes and repeated delays. Despite the long wait, the finished product managed to meet expectations, delivering a zombie survival experience filled with the open-world chaos that the franchise built its reputation on.
Upon release, Dead Island 2 received strong feedback from players who praised its combat system, detailed gore mechanics, and the recreation of a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, dubbed “Hell-A.” The game quickly gained traction, and over time, its audience grew steadily as new players joined. By mid-2024, the title had surpassed a significant milestone, with Dambuster Studios confirming that more than 20 million players had experienced its undead-filled streets.
This milestone was celebrated with more than just statistics. In a recent social media post, Dambuster Studios directly acknowledged that work on Dead Island 3 has already begun. The post was accompanied by new artwork and a caption that read: “When there’s no more room in Hell-A.”
The line is a clear homage to George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead (1978), which famously used the tagline, “When there’s no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth.” By referencing one of horror cinema’s most iconic phrases, Dambuster signaled that the series will continue drawing inspiration from classic zombie themes while evolving the setting and characters.
The teaser image shared by the studio prominently featured Jacob, one of the six playable “Slayers” introduced in Dead Island 2. Jacob’s larger-than-life personality and rockstar attitude made him a memorable character within the cast, and his reappearance suggests that the sequel may build upon the existing storyline rather than starting fresh.
Dead Island 2 ended on a cliffhanger, leaving players with several unanswered questions about the origins of the infection and the fate of the survivors. If Jacob’s presence in the teaser is any indication, Dead Island 3 will likely address those lingering threads while expanding the narrative into new environments.
Perhaps the most significant hint in the teaser was the reference to leaving “Hell-A.” This strongly implies that Dead Island 3 will depart from Los Angeles and move the action to a new location. While no official details have been confirmed, the franchise has always thrived on vibrant, dangerous open-world settings, from the tropical island in the original game to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. A fresh backdrop could introduce new gameplay dynamics, enemy types, and survival challenges.
The announcement of Dead Island 3 also highlights a dramatic shift in the series’ trajectory. Dead Island 2 faced nearly a decade of setbacks, with its development passing between multiple studios before finally being completed by Dambuster. Earlier this year, a former developer spoke publicly about the struggles of maintaining the project over such an extended timeline, describing the difficulties of shifting deadlines and abandoned prototypes.
Now, with the sequel already in early development, it appears that the franchise has found stability. Dambuster Studios is in a stronger position than during the troubled years of Dead Island 2, and the swift confirmation of a follow-up suggests that the team is confident about the series’ future.
While no release date or platform information has been shared yet, the official confirmation of Dead Island 3 provides clarity for fans who had been speculating since Dead Island 2’s cliffhanger ending. With over 20 million players having explored “Hell-A,” the franchise remains one of the most popular open-world zombie titles currently available.
As development progresses, more details will likely emerge regarding the game’s setting, returning characters, and new features. For now, the teaser confirms that the Dead Island franchise will continue, with Dead Island 3 poised to expand the series into its next chapter.
