Team Dead Island 2 aimed its playful response at the creators of Goat Simulator 3, who had earlier lampooned the iconic zombie action trailer from E3 2014. The joke landed in June, when the Dead Island 2 team learned about the parody just as audiences did, during the Summer Game Fest showcase. At one point, the Dambuster Studios office paused production to talk through the spoof, and the moment helped revive the team’s momentum. “The video energized us and gave a recharge,” said Dan Evans, describing the reaction from the studio staff.
Announcing Goat Simulator 3:
The comedy line was part of a broader social media dance where memes and hashtags circulate rapidly. The team behind Dead Island 2 also noted their desire to stay engaged with online culture, following memes and discussions on Twitter as much as possible. “What matters most is that the internet has made Jacob, the hero from the trailer, a new fan favorite,” commented Ayesha Kahn, the narrative designer.
Dead Island 2 announcement:
The game was re-announced at Gamescom 2022, a moment that reconnected fans with the project. In new materials, developers revisited the game’s original 2011 roots while outlining fresh details that updated core mechanics and survival features. Saints Row developers also introduced new systems that influenced the evolving design language around Dead Island 2.
In summary, the exchange between Dead Island 2 and Goat Simulator 3 underscores how playful interactions and meme culture can shape a game’s marketing narrative. Attendees and viewers in North America and beyond witnessed a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how a studio reacts to online chatter, turning a spoof into renewed energy for a major post-apocalyptic adventure. The conversation continues to reflect how developers monitor social dialogue while crafting a world that resonates with contemporary meme-driven audiences.