Publisher Kwalee and independent developer Malformation Games have announced that their upcoming retro-inspired survival horror Ground Zero will officially launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2026, alongside its previously confirmed PC release.
To mark the announcement, the team released a new narrative gameplay trailer, offering a chilling preview of the nightmarish horrors lurking in the ruins of Busan, South Korea. Once a thriving coastal city, Busan is now a desolate wasteland following a catastrophic meteor strike that has twisted all life into grotesque monsters.
A Haunting Return to Classic Survival Horror
In Ground Zero, players take control of Seo-Yeon, an elite Korean operative, and her Canadian partner as they investigate the mysterious meteor impact that reduced South Korea to rubble. The pair must survive against horrifying creatures, explore eerie temples and urban ruins, and uncover the truth behind the strange growths spreading from the crater.
With its fixed camera angles, pre-rendered environments, and optional tank controls, Ground Zero embraces the nostalgia of 90s horror classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, while adding modern twists such as Genome Points for upgrades and skill-based combat rewards.
Features That Define the Fear
- Classic horror reborn – fixed cameras, puzzles, and deliberate tension.
- Dynamic combat – combine firearms, melee, and counters for brutal survival.
- Gruesome boss battles – monstrous abominations await in the heart of the city.
- Exploration and discovery – uncover secrets, alternate endings, and extra modes.
A Collaboration Rooted in Horror Heritage
Kwalee, the publisher behind titles like Wildmender and Grime II, continues to champion indie creativity. At the same time, Ground Zero marks the debut title from Malformation Games, a Swedish indie studio founded by James Marchant. The developers aim to deliver an emotional, nerve-shattering experience that channels the golden era of survival horror for a new generation.
