Dead Island Epidemic beta sign ups have begun

The closed beta testing for Dead Island: Epidemic is set to start soon, and Deep Silver is inviting gamers to register for free access.

Invitations were initially opened for beta players in August last year, but these were actually for an alpha testing period.

Now, Deep Silver is saying the closed beta period is going to be ready soon, and that signing up for it has some benefits.

"All newly registered players can directly join the 30,000 Alpha testers and make their first steps in Dead Island: Epidemic even before the official start of the Closed Beta," a statement reads.

"In addition to that, they will receive exclusive in-game items and rewards as the Closed Beta proceeds which they can keep afterwards."

Epidemic will be a Steam exclusive and is, according to the publisher, a ZOMBA game (that's Zombie Online Multiplayer Battle Adventure) *sigh*.

The title has support for up to twelve players, split into three teams of four. Each team has to battle both the other teams and the hordes of zombies roaming the island in order to win.

Zombies range from standard to heavily infected creatures and "freakish super bosses", the latter potentially requiring all teams to team up against them.

A crafting system also features in the game, allowing you to make their own customised weapon arsenal. According to Deep Silver: "There will be hundreds of weapons, trinkets and items that players can craft, and once crafted, these weapons can continue to be improved to fully suit a player's personality and play style.

"Combining weapons and their effects and perks will offer an enormous range of possible setups and a new take on gameplay in this genre.

"Unlike other MOBAs, the gameplay isn't focused on attack the other teams' base, but rather on fighting over control points and various targets strewn about the map.

"This provides shifting, dynamic gameplay as players constantly need to adapt their focus and occasionally team up with opposing forces throughout match play. Tackling dynamic gameplay objectives are key to success."