With the original team having left to craft its own IP, the task to follow up Deep Silver's original multi-player zombie game fell upon Yager who were more than happy to bring their own unique spin on the Dead Island franchise. And even though some players have been skeptical of the developer's ability to credibly deliver on Techland's earlier promise, Bernd Diemer (Design Director at Yager) and Jan Eric Lauble (Creative Producer at Deep Silver) were both on hand to answer questions and allay any fears that fans may have. What follows therefore is an interview with both senior members of the development team, where Bernd and Jan assure fans that Dead Island 2 is indeed in safe hands. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IKsV5EOV5U
Let's start with you Bernd. Now obviously Yager weren't the ones in charge of developing Dead Island 1. How did you rise to the challenge of filling Techland's shoes who did the first game?
Bernd: (laughter) I mean, it's a big responsibility and also a lot of pressure if you look at that, like as a gamer. I played Dead Island 1 as a gamer. I really liked it and I probably discovered it similar to a lot of people. I didn't know much about the game before it came out. I saw the trailer and I thought "oh...