Techland has stated that Dying Light 1 was an “incredible game” and a remarkable success, despite its limited budget. The developer, which in its early days was considered an “underdog” studio, managed to surprise the industry with its debut. However, its sequel, Dying Light 2, while achieving commercial success, was marked by certain issues that led to a disconnection with the fan base. According to the franchise director, Tymon Smektala, the team sought to make the experience more accessible to a broader audience, which resulted in a loss of the elements that made the series special.
Dying Light 2 was a stumble and they are not afraid to admit it
Smektala admitted that, in the process of creating a game with a AAA production focus, some of the DNA of Dying Light was “sacrificed.” Fans expressed that Dying Light 2 did not capture the essence that had cemented the notoriety of the first game. Techland, aware of these criticisms, has stated its intention to regain the tension and horror that characterized the original in its upcoming title, Dying Light: The Beast, which has been referred to as Dying Light 3.
In this new installment, the developer aims to find a balance between production quality and the classic experience, aspiring for players to feel that they have returned to the world of Dying Light 1. Smektala is surprised by the lack of influence that Dying Light has had on other industries, considering that the ideas of the series possess a unique originality. “We want to deliver AAA quality, but also show that our essence has not been lost,” he stated, emphasizing his optimism about the future of the franchise.
With Dying Light: The Beast, fans are hoping not only for a return to the tense and horror gameplay that characterizes the series, but also for a polished execution that can attract both veterans and new players.
