Open-World Online Zombie Apocalypse Game for the Console, OMG

Excuse the title. If I wrote "Undead Labs May Unveil Class3 at E3", the reaction would have been a collective zombie moan. As phrased, however, the title hopefully inspires an "Oh, that's what I've always wanted!"

And because it is almost time for the big triple-E show, this is the perfect time to speculate what the hell Microsoft is doing, and by that I mean, the Summer of Arcade. Where are the XBLA announcements, Microsoft?

Undead Labs already unveiled early this February about their new games codenamed "Class3" and "Class4", which have been self-described as "post-societal-collapse survivalist fantasies" specifically designed for the console:

No ports from the PC. No hybrid designs. No hedging bets. We’re going to make a game designed for console gamers, by console gamers, with the action, streamlined interface, polish, and same-screen cooperative play that console gamers expect. Then add to this the vast virtual world, global in-game community, and fun social dynamics of the best online worlds, and it’s pretty much a no-brainer!

So it's essentially a two-step process, with "Class3" being a more a standalone title that supports 1-2 players via Xbox LIVE or locally, and "Class4" being the much more ambitious server-hosted world based on "Class3". It makes sense by design and by the pocketbook – learn and get as much extra bank as they can get from "Class3" before even attempting a "Class4".

Undead Labs hesitates on using the word "MMO" because it's not an online fantasy RPG with epic quests, though it is about a persistent online world that reacts to player actions:

The problem is that “MMO” no longer conveys a set of design tools or technologies that enable play in an online world; instead it conveys “a game like World of Warcraft.” I’m sure that’s great if you’re Blizzard, but if you’re trying to make a truly innovative MMO experience you wind up spending more time explaining what your game is not, rather than what it is.

The pricing scheme for "Class4" is still up in the air, since they believe that subscriptions are like paying rent and "free-to-play" means funneling players to the in-game store (and not very Microsoft, really). At any rate, we should hear about Class3 at the very least at E3.

Upcoming Releases
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam — with companions by his side — sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected?
Star Citizen is an upcoming space trading and combat simulator video game for Microsoft Windows. Star Citizen will consist of two main components: first person space combat and trading in a massively multiplayer persistent universe and customizable private servers (known as Star Citizen), and a branching single-player game (known as Squadron 42). The game will also feature VR support.
Atlas is an action-rpg with rogue-like elements where you use your ability to control the ground to fight the enemies and move through procedurally generated worlds.
Damnview: Built From Nothing is a simulation sandbox game about occidental culture and its different social classes. Immerse yourself into a decadent urban sprawl, all while working precarious jobs where you will either be absorbed into the system, or cast out of society’s machine. Damnview: Built From Nothing is a game about despair, the hostility of capitalism, and the need…
Reviews
X