A decade ago, the gaming industry was flooded with early access survival games centered around tasks like chopping trees and crafting campfires. Titles like Rust, DayZ, and The Forest dominated the scene, immersing players in intense survival scenarios. The genre became so pervasive that even RPS hosted a week-long celebration dedicated to survival games in an attempt to move past the trend.
While many of these survival games eventually graduated to full 1.0 releases, one title seemed to linger in early access perpetuity – 7 Days To Die. This sandbox crafting game featuring zombie hordes never quite made it out of its early access phase, dwelling in its log cabin of development surrounded by spikes and landmines. However, after years of anticipation, a potential release date is finally on the horizon according to the developers.
Richard Huenink, co-founder of studio The Fun Pimps, recently revealed in a Twitch chat with fans that the target date for the stable release of 7 Days To Die is tentatively set for Thursday, July 25th. This date also aims to coincide with a release on console platforms. Huenink emphasized that this schedule is subject to potential setbacks caused by unforeseen game-breaking bugs.
Leading up to the official release, an experimental branch will be available on Steam starting Monday, June 24th. This branch will allow players to preview new features ahead of time, giving the development team an opportunity to address any critical issues and ensure a smooth certification process.
Comparing the earliest iterations of 7 Days To Die with the current state of the game showcases a significant evolution in visuals and gameplay. The screenshots from the initial playthroughs contrast sharply with the polished trailer, reflecting the dedication and progress made by the development team over the years.
7 Days To Die stands out as a beacon among survival games for its simple yet engaging premise: build during the day and defend against hordes of zombies at night. This timeless formula sets it apart from other crafting-focused titles like Minecraft, emphasizing strategic survival mechanics that have stood the test of time.
In the Twitch stream, developers hinted at the possibility of 7 Days To Die returning to platforms like Game Pass in the future, although no official confirmation has been made. As the game approaches its full release, the price is expected to increase from its current cost of £19/$25/€23 to $45 (£40/€45). This shift in pricing reflects a common trend among early access games transitioning to fully released titles.
Despite its prolonged journey through early access, 7 Days To Die remains a beloved title in the survival game genre. The developers’ commitment to delivering a stable and engaging experience for players is evident in their ongoing efforts to refine and enhance the game. As the community eagerly anticipates the official release, the legacy of 7 Days To Die as a compelling survival experience continues to endure.
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