In the realm of indie gaming, creativity often flourishes in unexpected ways, and DeadOS stands as a testament to this. Developed by Benn Powell, known for his innovative Randomizer mods for the Resident Evil series, DeadOS transcends traditional gameplay to explore the intricacies of a zombie apocalypse simulation. This unique approach invites players to delve into the chaos of a world overrun by the undead, but with a twist: it focuses on the often-overlooked mechanics of how such an outbreak might realistically unfold.
The Concept Behind DeadOS
Powell’s inspiration for DeadOS emerged from a desire to examine the moments that typically remain in the background of zombie narratives. He recalls the cutscenes in Resident Evil 3, where the horrors of an outbreak are laid bare before the player takes control. “I really wanted to make a game that focused on that specific part, the part that never makes it into a game but is always in a cutscene,” Powell explains. This vision took shape in 2019, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which inadvertently influenced the game’s direction and mechanics.
DeadOS is not merely a game; it is a simulation sandbox that allows players to manipulate various parameters, such as city size, population density, and the virulence of the zombie virus. The objective is not to achieve a specific goal but rather to observe the consequences of different scenarios as they unfold in a procedurally generated 3D cityscape.
Understanding the Mechanics
Initially, the simulation depicted a straightforward infection model: a zombie bites a human, who then becomes infected and eventually joins the ranks of the undead. However, as Powell incorporated elements like weapons and law enforcement, the complexity of the simulation increased significantly. “When I first added guns, people would see a zombie and go ‘Zombie!’ and then blam blam blam!” he recalls. Yet, not everyone reacts with the same level of composure, leading to panic and hesitation among civilians.
This human factor complicates the spread of the infection, particularly in scenarios where the outbreak begins with a single, slow-moving zombie. Powell notes that if the simulation is left to run on its own, it often fails to propagate the infection effectively. “If you just let the simulation run, it will fail, because it’s just one [zombie],” he states. To counter this, the default play mode initiates multiple outbreaks simultaneously, creating a more dynamic and unpredictable environment.
Insights into Human Behavior
DeadOS also sheds light on human behavior during crises. Powell observes that those who confront the infection bravely tend to face higher mortality rates, while individuals armed with firearms are more likely to survive. This raises intriguing questions about survival strategies in a zombie-infested world. “So is the best way to survive a zombie outbreak to be a massive coward with a gun? That’s what DeadOS suggests,” he quips.
As players engage with the simulation, they can choose to guide specific characters through the chaos, fighting zombies, barricading entrances, and scavenging for supplies. Although DeadOS operates on a turn-based system, the rapid pace of the simulation creates an illusion of real-time gameplay, immersing players in the unfolding drama.
Future Developments
Having spent nearly seven years in development, with five of those in early access on Steam, Powell remains committed to enhancing DeadOS. His aspirations include allowing players to design their own cities and introducing features like Steam Workshop support for community-created content. He envisions a game that not only simulates a zombie outbreak but also incorporates institutions like hospitals and a comprehensive military quarantine system.
Ultimately, Powell’s ambition is to create the most detailed zombie outbreak simulation possible, likening it to the Dwarf Fortress of undead scenarios. “I can’t think of another game like this,” he concludes, emphasizing the uniqueness of his creation. “This is the game I wanted to play but couldn’t because it didn’t exist, so I made it.” In a world where the undead roam, DeadOS offers a fresh perspective on survival, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of human behavior amidst chaos.
