GamesSurvival10 years on, one of my favorite co-op games Project Zomboid is… not on sale, againWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesSurvival10 years on, one of my favorite co-op games Project Zomboid is… not on sale, againWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: The Indie Stone)
Still in early access after 10 years, this is a game that needs no introduction for zombie survival fans. It’s quietly one of the most played and well-received isometric base-builders out there, thanks to its incredible depth, detail and server setting customizability. At this point, it’s kinda stretching the limits of what it means to befeatured in Steam’s so called “Next Fest”, since it’s already been out for so long. But that’s only partially why I’m here.
“One thing you might have noticed across both Next Fest and Remote Play Together Fest is that there’s something different about the Project Zomboid page.”
“One thing you might have noticed across both Next Fest and Remote Play Together Fest is that there’s something different about the Project Zomboid page.”
One thing you might have noticed across both Next Fest and Remote Play Together Fest is that there’s something different about the Project Zomboid page. Where all the other games are either offering free short demos or the full game with a deep discount, Project Zomboid is stuck at the same price. Looks a little out of place, right? If you’re wonderingwhyyou’ve not seen Project Zomboid on sale in a while, there’s something you should know concerning how the developers feel about sales.
Up at the top of the game’sSteam pagesits the Early Access Game header, with an expandable FAQ entitled “What the developers have to say”.Rightat the bottom there, you’ll notice a little section detailing whether the game will ever be priced differently during and after Early Access. I guess they get that question a lot, huh?
Here’s what they have to say for themselves: “Due to our commitment to making sure early adopters get the cheapest price in appreciation of their early support PZ will never appear in sales that take it below the original alpha price of £5/$8,” that is, not until long after the game comes out of Early Access. That’s because the game “will likely be £5, $8 more expensive once we hit 1.0.” Take it or leave it, I suppose.
Dead right
(Image credit: The Indie Stone)
So the logic here is that, while the game is in its 10+ year development stage, “early” adopters can get a good price thanks to the game never being on sale. I’m not saying that makes no sense, but it doesn’t not make sense if you catch my drift. Keeping it in early access at this point feels like an excuse not to put it on sale.
And yet, despite the devs' backwards logic, Project Zomboid will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s a fantastic game with plenty of map to explore, lore to unlock, and skills to build as you face down the hordes.
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Half the enjoyment of Project Zomboid comes from sharing the burden of running a safehouse with friends. Even if it does turn into some den of iniquity where everyone’s hoarding weapons on the kitchen table and stripping to their underwear to get in their daily squats.
Swings and roundabouts, really.
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