The state of video games based on The Walking Dead

There have been several games based on The Walking Dead universe but the future isn’t looking too good for gamers who want to experience that universe.

Sixteen years ago, The Walking Dead comic book series was launched. Thanks to the success of those books, a television series got greenlit in 2009 and it has spawned a companion series which is also successful.

However, there are also other properties within the franchise which fans have enjoyed. Toys, board games, trading cards, and much more have brought smiles to the faces of undead fanatics and that includes the video games.

There have been some fantastic games based on the Image Comics source material and AMC television show. Telltale Games released their award-winning game based on interactive storytelling and quick time events with great success, but otherwise, console and PC releases have struggled to succeed.

Survival Instinct buckled under poor reviews and clunky controls while OVERKILL’s game needs an overhaul before it can even come to Xbox One or PlayStation 4. TV plug and play games with a light gun such as Zombie Hunter and Battleground may be fun for a short time but lack any long-term appeal.

There are still successful mobile games for fans of The Walking Dead to play. Road To Survival is still going strong while No Man’s Land continues to follow the hit AMC show. Plus, Our World gives a different experience for those who enjoy augmented reality games like Pokemon.

But what does the future hold for games based on the zombie property? With Telltale Games folding, OVERKILL’s game being delayed again for an unknown date, and no other new properties on the horizon, it seems bleak. However, Skybound’s Twitter account for The Walking Dead has piqued the interest of fans thanks to a recent Tweet:

https://twitter.com/TheWalkingDead/status/1088585556148158466

I have talked with my friends several times in the past about what kind of game we would want to see. The most common response is an open-world cooperative game filled with walkers, other survivors, and numerous other threats which adapt to the decisions made to survive. This seems to be the most common suggested new idea for a game from those who commented on the post.

Others are instead just wanting a continuation from the games started by Telltale. It’s understandable to want to have more of what fans have enjoyed over the years, but unless Skybound can retain the talent used to finish The Final Season, that could be easier said than done.

No matter what is made, it’s good to see Skybound trying which direction fans would like to see the next video game based on the franchise to go. It gives hope that there could be something new or fresh in the future.

One thing for certain is that this is a franchise desperately in need of a successful console and PC game. With such great source material including amazing characters, locations, and plotlines from the hit AMC show and the popular zombie survival comic book series, it’s surprising something great hasn’t been done yet. Until the next great game based on The Walking Dead is made, fans will just have to keep their fingers crossed.