Update:
Developer Yager has responded to being dropped by Deep Silver, stating that the studio’s vision for Dead Island 2 differed from the publisher’s vision.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Yager managing director Timo Ullmann stated, “Our team is made of the best creative minds and tech specialists, who all share a common identity.”
“The team worked with enthusiasm to take Dead Island 2 to a new level of quality. However, Yager and Deep Silver’s respective visions of the project fell out of alignment, which led to the decision that has been made.”
Original Story:
Deep Silver have dropped developer Yager from Dead Island 2, the publisher has announced today.
Since the announcement of Dead Island 2, the game has encountered several issues and delays. Originally slated for a 2015 release but in April was pushed back to 2016, it now looks unlikely that the game will even release next year with a new developer needed to take over development.
No reason was given for why Deep Silver parted company with developer Yager, who developed Spec Ops: The Line. The developer is also currently working on a free-to-play space combat game, Dreadnought.
“With Dead Island 2, Deep Silver has always been dedicated to delivering the sequel that Dead Island fans deserve,” the publisher said in a statement. “After careful consideration, today we announce the decision to part ways with development partner Yager. We will continue working towards bringing our vision of Dead Island 2 to life, and we will share further information at a later stage.”
So far Deep Silver remain tight lipped about when the game will release and how this will affect development. They may already have a developer in mind to take over Dead Island 2, but don’t hold your breath for a 2016 release.
Source: Deep Silver
