Zombie survival epic 7 days to die gets a new lease on life

After an eleven-year journey from beta to a fully realized title, 7 Days to Die, the beloved zombie survival game, is entering a new era. The Fun Pimps, the game's developer, have been acquired by Behaviour Interactive, the Canadian studio behind the hugely popular Dead by Daylight, signaling a potential surge in development and support for the title.

A strategic acquisition: behaviour interactive expands its portfolio

Behaviour Interactive’s move isn’t a sudden shift; it’s part of a deliberate strategy to acquire studios whose projects they support. Following the 2024 purchase of Red Hook Studios, creators of Darkest Dungeon, this acquisition of The Fun Pimps – and by extension, 7 Days to Die – reinforces Behaviour's commitment to bolstering existing properties rather than solely focusing on new IP development. The cost of the deal remains undisclosed, but the implications for the game are already significant.

7 Days to Die, despite its protracted development cycle, has garnered a dedicated fanbase and impressive sales figures. Having shipped over 20 million copies worldwide and boasting consistently positive reviews on Steam and consoles, it's a proven commercial success. While daily player counts have dipped from their peak of 125,419 concurrent users at launch to around 30,000 currently, the game maintains a vibrant community, fueled in part by its robust modding support – a cornerstone of its enduring appeal.

Future-proofing a cult classic: what this means for players

Importantly, The Fun Pimps will continue to lead the 7 Days to Die development, reassuring players concerned about a change in direction. Richard Huenink, co-founder of The Fun Pimps, has emphasized that the acquisition won’t compromise the game's original vision. The infusion of resources from Behaviour Interactive will allow the team to expand its workforce and accelerate the delivery of new content – ideas that were previously constrained by limited resources. Behaviour Interactive’s shared philosophy regarding community engagement and modding support further solidifies the acquisition’s potential for long-term success.

The game’s unique blend of first-person shooting, tower defense, role-playing, and survival horror—a formula rarely attempted since Fallout 3—has resonated with a dedicated audience. This acquisition isn’t just about bolstering a single studio; it's about investing in a thriving, albeit niche, genre and ensuring the continued evolution of a game that has carved out a unique space in the gaming landscape. The Fun Pimps’ track record, combined with Behaviour Interactive’s expertise in crafting and supporting long-lived titles, suggests a bright future for 7 Days to Die, and a renewed hope for those still battling hordes of the undead.