'Dead Island 2' release date, gameplay, news: Listings indicate 2017 rollout; 'Dead Island' mobile game also launching?

An official key art for "Dead Island 2" Deep Silver

Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Koch Media, which is the parent company of Deep Silver, which is responsible for "Dead Island 2," has provided an update on the highly-anticipated sequel.

In the latest issue of MCV (picked up by VideoGamer), he said that Deep Silver is doing a great job so far with "Dead Island 2."

"We have big plans for the franchise with several projects in development. Dead Island 2 is obviously announced and is making fantastic progress at Sumo. We're looking forward to showing off the game to our fans when it is ready," Kundratitz said.

When that will happen remains to be seen, but it appears that things are going smoothly with regards to the development of "Dead Island 2."

In fact, Koch is also working on a new "Dead Island" mobile game, which they will provide details for "in a little while." Kundratitz noted that the franchise has "our full attention."

Listings of "Dead Island 2" on GameStop and Amazon show a December 2017 release date. The former has it on Dec. 31, 2017, while the latter indicates a Dec. 29, 2017 launch.

It is likely that these dates are only placeholders as Deep Silver or Koch have yet to announce the official release date of the sequel. They, however, indicate that the game could arrive next year.

The development of "Dead Island 2" is not as smooth as people may think. It hit quite a few snags along the way including a change of developer.

Techland was supposed to be handling the game, but their focus shifted to "Dying Light," which paved the way for "Spec Ops: The Line" developer Yager to get the "Dead Island 2" gig.

However, the company dropped from the development because of what appeared to be creative differences. Deep Silver's vision for the sequel was far different from how Yager pictured it, leading to the end of the relationship and the eventual dissolution of Yager.

"Dead Island 2" is set several months after the first game and takes place in California that has become "a bloody paradise" and a "zombie playground."

"Dead Island 2 features crazy, never-before-seen handcrafted weapons and over-the-top characters in taking players from the iconic Golden Gate to the celebrated beachfront boardwalk of southern California's Venice Beach," the description read.

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