Zombies, Run! fitness app resumes production following author-led acquisition

Zombies, Run! has officially resumed operations after a period of indefinite hiatus, marking a rare comeback for a fitness application that once faced closure. The app, which blends running plans with immersive audio storytelling set in a zombie apocalypse, is now releasing a new eight-part story under the title "Back from the dead". This revival follows the purchase of the platform by Naomi Alderman, the app's co-creator and author, who acquired it from its previous owner, OliveX, in November.

The acquisition comes after the original developer, Six to Start, was bought by OliveX, a company described as a purveyor of crypto and NFT products. Following the change in ownership, Six to Start laid off all but two of its staff members, halting the production of new episodes. Alderman exercised a specific clause in her original contract that granted her the right to buy back the game if it were ever sold, securing the funds through her earnings as a novelist and a bank loan.

Alderman's primary objective is to establish a sustainable business model that serves the app's loyal community rather than seeking a quick exit via another sale. She aims to return the service to its roots, creating content that is accessible to new users while remaining true to the existing lore for veteran players. The new episodes will feature original characters and voice actors from the previous run, with Alderman noting that the characterisation has been carefully crafted to resonate with both new and existing audiences.

This situation mirrors the fate of other independent applications and games that have suffered similar layoffs after being acquired by larger corporations. The scenario recalls the virtual reality game Supernatural, which experienced a comparable decline after Meta laid off the bulk of its development staff. Alderman acknowledges that comebacks are exceedingly rare and that Zombies, Run! is likely to remain an exception to the rule, though she remains confident in the potential for organic growth within the player base.

Looking ahead, the lean team structure under Alderman's leadership includes plans to expand the app's functionality based on user feedback. Specifically, the developers intend to introduce smartwatch support for audio playback in the near future. Alderman emphasised that the app's core message about community and mutual care is more relevant now than ever, aiming to build a long-term service that avoids the volatility often seen in the tech sector.