H1Z1 splits in two, multiplayer arena spin-off hits PC, Xbox One, PS4 this summer

H1Z1: King of the Kill has been announced as a multiplayer arena shooter spin-off of the Zombie MMO.

The game is described as an arena-style grudge match, which started out as a game mode in the original H1Z1.

According to Daybreak Games, the mode was so popular, it decided to offer it as a separate game from the MMO.

"Last year, we started to notice new player trends emerging – both the initial Survival game and Battle Royale game mode now have strong populations who almost exclusively play one or the other," said the developer.

"The more we developed this game with the community, the more we realized that in order to fully support both aspects of H1Z1, and their respective players, we needed to make them their own stand-alone games supported by their own dedicated development teams.

"Many players in the community have been discussing splitting the game and we’ve heard them loud and clear. We want to make sure we give both titles the support they need and deserve to truly flourish."

The survival game, previously known as H1Z1, will now be called H1Z1: Just Survive. It will still be an open-world zombie survival experience with scavenging, crafting, and base building.

Plans to bring H1Z1: Just Survive out of Early Access on PC and to console will be discussed more in the future.

H1Z1: King of the Kill is being developed as a "fast-paced shooter" with multiple deathmatch game modes, including Battle Royale.

Basically, players will compete in large-scale PvP matches where they will fight to the death. A release date, other than the summer window for leaving Early Access wasn't provided, but it will release on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

Just Survive and H1Z1: King of the Kill will each have their own dedicated development resources and those who already own H1Z1 will be granted both versions. They will see both listed in their Steam games inventory come February 17.

Additionally, existing crates, keys, and items will be duplicated across both games and Airdrop tickets can be used in Just Survive and Event tickets will be usable in King of the Kill.

Those who have items on the Steam Market will have them returned to their player inventory. Once both games split, these items can be relisted.

Daybreak also said those who purchase H1Z1 before the split on Feb. 16th will get both games. After that, each will run $19.99 through Early Access.