From Warehouse to Zombie Outbreak: The Unexpected Evolution of 'Quarantine Zone'

From Mundane Logistics to Undead Challenges: The Evolution of a Gaming Hit

Early Visions: Managing Goods and Ancient Elixirs

In mid-2024, the gaming world witnessed the unexpected rise of 'Supermarket Simulator', captivating a wide audience with its real-life job simulation. This phenomenon caught the eye of developers like Stas Staryk, co-founder of Brigada Games, who was keen to embark on their first major project. Staryk recognized the potential in the simulator genre, noting its relatively lower development costs and broad appeal. Their initial concept was a 'Warehouse Manager' game, complete with a mock-up trailer that garnered positive attention on platforms like Reddit and Discord. However, this idea was eventually set aside due to the emerging saturation of warehouse-style simulators in the market, a decision that proved prescient with the subsequent announcement of games like 'Storage Guys' that mirrored their initial approach.

Exploring the Mystical: The Alchemist's Path Not Taken

Following the abandonment of the warehouse sim, Brigada Games turned its attention to a more esoteric concept: an alchemist simulator. Staryk, with a personal fascination for the historical alchemists of the Middle Ages, those early scientists who delved into the mysteries of the natural world, was intrigued by the potential of exploring their lives and practices. Another concept trailer was produced, showcasing the intricacies of this historical craft. Yet, the team ultimately concluded that developing an alchemist simulator of such depth would be overly complex for their debut game, leading them to pivot once more.

The Undead Frontier: Birth of a Zombie Simulation Success

The turning point for Brigada Games arrived with the adoption of a zombie theme, heavily influenced by Staryk's passion for 'The Walking Dead' universe. The pivotal suggestion came from a team member: to combine the detailed mechanics of a simulation game with the high-stakes environment of a zombie apocalypse, drawing inspiration from titles like 'Papers, Please'. This fusion of genres gave birth to 'Quarantine Zone: The Last Check'. The shift proved incredibly successful, with the game now boasting over a million Steam wishlists and securing a publishing deal with Devolver Digital. Interestingly, despite the game's overall appeal, the "wonky supply cart" from its warehouse management elements has emerged as a key point of contention among demo players, affirming the wisdom of not fully committing to the initial warehouse concept.