The sequel to the zombie survival game "Dead Island" was dead in the water at one time after its original developer dissolved. However, publisher Deep Silver has confirmed that "Dead Island 2" is once again on track, as a new developer is signed on. Meanwhile, a spin-off title "Dead Island: Retro Revenge" launches this month.

Publisher Deep Silver has revealed that a new developer, U.K. studio Sumo Digital, has taken over the reins of "Dead Island 2." The publisher terminated its relationship with the original developer, Yager Productions, last year. Working with Sumo Digital, Deep Silver has said that "it just made perfect sense for us to move the project to them. We will reveal more details at a later stage, but for now I'd like to say that we are obviously super excited about the progress that we are making with them."

Sumo Digital is a veteran of big-name franchises, as the company portfolio includes projects for "Disney Infinity," "LittleBigPlanet," and "Forza."

Meanwhile, since a new developer is already working on "Dead Island 2," fans expect that the horror survival game will make it to its targeted late 2016 release. The sequel has been announced as far back as two years ago, on the 2014 E3, with an original release date of spring 2015.

As for the franchise, a new "Dead Island: Definitive Edition" is scheduled to hit the shelves at the end of the month. Although the package is a compendium of the franchise, a new title comes as a free bonus for pre-orders. The bundle will come with "Dead Island: Retro Revenge," a 16-bit runner featuring the world of "Dead Island" and "Riptide." In "Retro Revenge," the players take on the role of Max, as he battles his wat across a horde of the undead to rescue his kidnapped cat.