Introduction: A Viral Reveal Sparks Controversy
In April, the medieval zombie survival game God Save Birmingham made a splash online with an 8-minute gameplay trailer that quickly divided opinion. While some fans were excited about its premise and visuals, many skeptics questioned the authenticity of the footage. Critics pointed out that the animations appeared too polished, suggesting the trailer might be pre-rendered footage rather than genuine gameplay, leading to doubts about the game’s progress.
The Shadow of The Day Before
Most notably, several commentators drew parallels between God Save Birmingham and The Day Before, a highly controversial title that became infamous for failing to meet expectations. The Day Before was billed as the next big post-apocalyptic MMO with an expansive open world but was ultimately released as a broken, minimalistic extraction shooter. Its launch was so disappointing that IGN awarded it a rare 1 out of 10, and the game was shut down just days after its early access release.
Following God Save Birmingham’s viral trailer, Korean publisher Kakao Games and Ocean Drive, the studio behind the project, presented a demo at PAX East and released an updated gameplay video. This new footage offered a more realistic view of the current development stage, helping to address some doubts raised by the initial trailer. However, the comparison to The Day Before still lingers in many minds.
Developers Speak Out: Embracing the Comparison
Curious about this dynamic, I sat down with Ocean Drive CEO Jae Kim and Head of Publishing Jungsoo Lee to understand their perspective on the comparisons and whether they see God Save Birmingham as a potential scam or something different altogether. Surprisingly, both developers expressed comfort with the association, even viewing it as an opportunity rather than a setback. Here’s why.
About Ocean Drive: Origins and Focus
Background and Team Composition
Founded in 2020, Ocean Drive is now in its fifth year of operation. The studio employs around 80 developers in Korea and approximately 12 in the United States, who handle business, narrative design, and localization. Their first game, Lost Eidolons, was a story-driven, Fire Emblem-style turn-based tactical RPG developed with Unity—an choice they later considered a mistake, aiming for a level of quality akin to Unreal Engine.
Currently, the studio has four main development teams working on different projects. Two are small-scale, indie-style games; one is a mid-tier AA project based on a well-known Korean IP, and the final project is God Save Birmingham. As of last month, about 28 team members are dedicated to developing this medieval zombie survival experience.
Origins of God Save Birmingham
The idea for God Save Birmingham stemmed from the studio’s core philosophy: creating games that resonate with the creative director’s personal gaming experiences. Creative Director Hyeonseong Cha, a hardcore player himself, wanted to craft a game rooted in community understanding and genre authenticity. His love for games like Project Zomboid and physics-based prototypes like Dropkick Navvy influenced the fusion of medieval art style and survival mechanics, culminating in the development of Birmingham-based setting as the game’s backdrop.
The Surprising Choice of Birmingham
Why Birmingham?
During the 2023 Gamescom, the studio received numerous questions about their choice of Birmingham. The team explained that their small size dictated a preference for a manageable, historically rich city with active trade and a distinctive look. They discovered a recreated 14th-century Birmingham in a Museum of Birmingham YouTube video, which inspired them to set the game there. Their research included examining medieval texts and consulting with historians to ensure historical accuracy.
Interestingly, the decision to depict Birmingham also generated unintended humor. Many British viewers mocked the choice on social media, which inadvertently increased the game’s visibility in the UK and Reddit communities. The developers found this amusing and decided to lean into the local flavor, even considering adding authentic Brummie accents for the characters.
Development Progress and Addressing Skepticism
Trailer Authenticity and Progress
The initial April trailer’s high-quality animations and cinematic feel led many to believe it was pre-rendered or scripted footage. The developers anticipated some skepticism but were surprised by the intensity of the reactions, especially the comparisons to The Day Before. They clarified that the trailer showcased their target environment and features, though some animations were still in progress and would be refined in future builds.
In response, they released a more realistic gameplay demo at PAX East, which garnered more positive feedback. The developers acknowledge the importance of transparency and plan to continue sharing progress through regular updates, alpha, and beta tests to build trust with the community.
Handling the ‘Scam Game’ Narrative
Impact of The Day Before and Future Outlook
Both Jae Kim and Jungsoo Lee believe that the controversy surrounding The Day Before has inadvertently benefited their studio by increasing visibility. They argue that the negative reputation of that game has made audiences more skeptical, but also more curious, which can work in their favor if they deliver on their promises.
They are confident in their team’s capabilities, emphasizing that their experience and dedication set them apart. The studio plans to demonstrate progress through gameplay demos and community engagement, aiming for an early access release sometime between summer and late 2026. Their goal is to create a game that is both authentic and fun, aligning with their high standards.
Final Message to Skeptics
When asked what advice they would give to gamers dismissing God Save Birmingham as just another scam, the developers emphasized actions over words. They encourage supporters to wait for upcoming alpha and beta versions, which will showcase real gameplay and progress. Their team’s experience and commitment, they believe, will ultimately prove the game’s legitimacy and quality.
Jae Kim expressed optimism about the game’s potential, hinting at possible increased investment due to the game’s current buzz. He remains hopeful that, with continued transparency and community support, God Save Birmingham can overcome skepticism and deliver a memorable gaming experience.
The game is scheduled for early access release on PC via Steam in 2026.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
