PlayStation Plus has added a diverse offering of games this month, with Lies of P being the obvious heavy-hitter. My Hero One's Justice 2 is an exciting addition for manga and anime fans, but the third title, DayZ, has proven to be a big hit on the platform. PlayStation Plus can often introduce a game to a fresh audience, and this seems to be the case with DayZ.
Of course, there are bound to be some PS Plus users who have played DayZ before on PC and are wanting to experience it in a new way, but there is also a solid number of players who are likely trying out the zombie survival experience for the first time. DayZ left its lengthy early access period seven years ago, but its bump in players from PS Plus subscribers demonstrates that there is still plenty of interest in the horror-tinged multiplayer game.
DayZ Has Attracted A Lot of Gamers Since Being Added to PlayStation Plus
- DayZ launched in early access in 2013.
- The game finally launched in a complete state on December 13, 2018.
DayZ has had a fascinating history. Originally developed by Dean Hall as a mod for Arma 2, DayZ eventually became its own standalone experience. Over the years, DayZ has attracted a lot of viral attention, as creators and streamers on platforms like YouTube and Twitch were drawn to the game's survival elements set in an unforgiving zombie apocalypse.
Although it's been seven years since the game's full launch, that hasn't stopped PS Plus users from flocking to the challenging survival title. The game has proven to be so popular on PS Plus that DayZ's servers have been facing serious issues since being made available. For a game that has such a specific niche, this level of player influx is exciting, but these server issues are also bound to be frustrating for gamers who are eager to see what the game is all about.
DayZ's next planned expansion is called Badlands, promising a desert region. The expansion is expected to arrive sometime in 2026 and will be available on all platforms.
DayZ Could Be Perfect for Those Looking for a Unique Take on the Survival Genre
Granted, DayZ is definitely not a game for everyone, as the stakes are incredibly high, but for those in the market for a title where making the right decisions counts, it might be a great option. Permadeath is a key mechanic in DayZ, which emphasizes the game's unforgiving world. It truly feels like one is trying to survive a zombie apocalypse, making it a challenging and immersive survival RPG. Whether it's a zombie, hunger or thirst, or even another player, dying is basically inevitable in DayZ. This can be frustrating for some, but the fight for survival is quite addictive for others.
DayZ has attracted a lot of viral attention, as creators and streamers on platforms like YouTube and Twitch were drawn to the game's survival elements set in an unforgiving zombie apocalypse.
Such a high-stakes gameplay loop is one of the main aspects that has kept DayZ going strong for over a decade, if one takes into account the five-year early access period. Between the game's intense survival mechanics and the fact that DayZ is still getting expansions to broaden its scope, this title coming to PS Plus is bound to bring in an even bigger audience that could eventually become passionate longtime players.
Not every PS Plus user is going to keep returning to DayZ, but it's at least a great way to introduce it to new people. DayZ isn't just for zombie fans. It's a solid addition to the survival genre in general, and it will be fascinating to see if its time on PS Plus adds to its longevity.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 41 /100 Critics Rec: 20%
- Released
- December 13, 2018
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bohemia Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Bohemia Interactive
- Engine
- enfusion
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Genre(s)
- Survival