'Dead Island 2' Can Be Played By Voice Command Using Amazon's Alexa

At long last, Dead Island 2 is back from the dead, ironically. The game was first announced all the way back in 2014 (and first began development in 2012), so fans have had quite a wait on their hands for this one - it almost feels like a fever dream to report that the game will officially be releasing in just a few months’ time.

As reported by GamesRadar+, it turns out that there’s going to be a very unique way to play the game when it releases, too. Also announced at Gamescom was Alexa Game Control - new tech which allows you to use Amazon’s Alexa to control games (who’d have guessed?). Apparently, you’ll be able to “your voice to interact with NPCs, swap your weapons, and much more”.

“Go beyond the game by connecting with everything Alexa has to offer – no extra devices required,” the official page reads. “Control your smart lights to set the mood for your game, set a timer to pull yourself out of the game when essential, and even place a food order through Alexa without stopping your game. All the power of Alexa within your [favourite] games, starting with Dead Island 2.”

Alexa Game Control can be used on any compatible game for free, and doesn’t actually require an Alexa device to use: “All you need is a headset or microphone connected to your PC or Xbox Console to use Alexa Game Control in-game,” says the FAQ section.