News
Deep Silver Reveals ‘Dead Island: Epidemic’
Looks like another of my favorite horror franchises is going the way of free-to-play. First, F.E.A.R. took the plunge, and now Deep Silver’s zombie bash ’em up series will follow with the PC entry, Dead Island: Epidemic.
They’re calling it a ZOMBA (Zombie Online Multiplayer Battle Arena), and in it three teams of players will fight for survival. We’ll hear more from it at Gamescom later this month, where we’ll hopefully get a look at how it will play. They promise Epidemic will “feature all the trademark elements” of a Dead Island game, so to me that means weapon crafting, epic loot and visceral melee combat. I’m looking forward to seeing how all that translates to a MOBA (or ZOMBA). Usually, Dead Island games are preceded by a gorgeous CGI trailer, so we might get another of those, too.
If you just can’t wait to hear more about the game, stay tuned here as I’ll most definitely share all the news that comes out of Gamescom (Aug 22-25). You can also subscribe to their newsletter.
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All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.
Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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