World War Z (2013 video game)

World War Z is a third-person shooter video game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Paramount Interactive. Released in 2013 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, it is based on the 2006 Max Brooks novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, rather than the 2013 film adaptation.

The game features a cooperative campaign mode where up to four players can team up to fight off massive hordes of zombies in various locations around the world. These locations include Moscow, New York, and Jerusalem. The gameplay focuses on teamwork, strategic use of weapons and environment, and utilizing choke points to defend against the swarming undead.

The game presents the zombie hordes as dynamically scaling and reacting to player actions, requiring adaptive strategies and constant communication. Players can choose from a variety of character classes, each with unique skills and abilities, to complement their playstyle.

Unlike the later, more popular, World War Z (2019) game, this earlier iteration received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics generally praised the intensity of the horde battles but often criticized the game's narrative, technical issues, and overall polish. Despite its flaws, it provided a cooperative zombie-slaying experience prior to the release of other prominent zombie horde shooters.