Dead Island 2 to release in 2015; is no longer set on an island

Dead Island 2 is currently in development by Spec Ops: The Line studio Yager Development, it was confirmed today at Sony's E3 press conference. The trailer above doesn't show anything in the way of actual in-game footage, but it does set the scene for the forthcoming co-op zombie basher, which is due Spring 2015.

Curiously, Dead Island 2 will not be set on an island, and there aren't any plans to rename it Dead Continent either. Departing from the game's traditional island setting, the Unreal Engine 4 powered title will take place in California. According to a release sent by publisher Deep Silver, California has become "a bloody paradise for those who refuse to leave their homes, and an action-packed playground for renegades who seek adventure, glory and a fresh start." The game will feature seamless eight-player drop-in, drop-out co-op.

Expect to see a bunch of 'never-before-seen' weapons, and real life locations like Venice Beach and the Golden Gate. For more on E3 2014 check out our handy guide to the first day , which featured game announcements galore.

Shaun Prescott is the Australian editor of PC Gamer. With over ten years experience covering the games industry, his work has appeared on GamesRadar+, TechRadar, The Guardian, PLAY Magazine, the Sydney Morning Herald, and more. Specific interests include indie games, obscure Metroidvanias, speedrunning, experimental games and FPSs. He thinks Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed is an all-time classic that will receive its due critical reappraisal one day.