World War Z (2019 video game)

World War Z is a cooperative third-person shooter video game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Home Interactive. Released on April 16, 2019, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, it draws inspiration from the 2006 novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks and the 2013 film adaptation.

The game features a swarm engine that allows for massive hordes of zombies, often numbering in the hundreds, to attack players simultaneously. Gameplay revolves around four-player cooperative missions set in various locations around the world, including New York, Moscow, Jerusalem, and Tokyo. Players select from different character classes, each with unique perks and specializations, and utilize a variety of weapons, explosives, and traps to survive the zombie onslaught.

Key gameplay elements include:

• Cooperative Gameplay: The game emphasizes teamwork and coordination to overcome the overwhelming zombie hordes.
• Class-Based System: Players choose from classes like Gunslinger, Hellraiser, Medic, Fixer, Slasher, and Exterminator, each offering different playstyles and support abilities.
• Swarm Engine: The game's engine allows for the display of large numbers of zombies, creating intense and chaotic scenarios.
• Story Campaigns: Each location features unique characters and storylines that unfold as players complete missions.
• Progression System: Players can level up their characters and weapons, unlocking new abilities and upgrades.

World War Z received mixed reviews upon release. While praised for its intense action, cooperative gameplay, and impressive zombie swarms, it was criticized for its repetitive mission structure, technical issues, and lack of depth. Despite these criticisms, the game has garnered a significant player base and has been supported with post-launch content, including new maps, weapons, and game modes. A Nintendo Switch version was released in November 2021.