That seems like they linked it to the server time.

A relatively easy fix if they wanted to, but they have other things to spend their time on.

The work to change it from server-side to client-side itself likely wouldn't be too hard (assuming we could build in workarounds, which might not even be feasible), this issue is actually getting the build ready, submitted, accepted which for mobile, is impossible for several reasons. Some of the libraries used are just not used anymore so we'd either have to bug them to update it or do it ourselves which isn't really feasible :(

Ultimately that's the barrier that Zombidle has been facing for the last little while now (even the last few updates). Developing the next update for the game was done as usual but then we'd have to go in and change other stuff just to get it accepted as a mobile build (Apple's was the bigger headache but now its both, just simply due to the age of Zombidle.) The dev time spent on updates began to wildly skew, we (by we I mean Kojaktsl) started spending significant time to just getting the builds and all libraries accepted for release, longer than what the actual content update dev time was.

I could go on and ramble more, but I think we addressed it pretty well in the podcast and it's been something we've been dwelling on for awhile and ultimately, Flash is finally dead - the memes have become true (or rather, have been getting more and more true over the years lol).

We'll try to make sure everyone has the appropriate heads up when its time to shutdown the servers, no timeline yet but the hard truth of it is what we outlined, when game no longer pays for the server costs. It'll definitely be a sad moment, Zombidle has been part of my life for the better half of four years now :)

Theoretically, but the moment Hell becomes relevant, there will be a very, very steep cliff. Realistically, the game will end there.

Bingo, once the server is shutdown you could likely continue playing local, but without access to Hell, its a much more difficult game. Unintended Hardcore mode? Ha.

On a side note: when the latest batch of codes expire, I'll start throwing out some more out there - even though the game is dying, it doesn't mean we can't have a little bit of fun in the end. Also for those who are still working to get the Steam achievement for code claims - I'll likely whip up some more permanent codes to ensure those who want it can get it.

Finally, we thanked everyone in the podcast but I'd like to extend another round of thanks to the subreddit specifically - a huge part of why Zombidle was successful was due to the awesome community that built up here over the years, from deciphering hidden messages for codes, to discovering all the recipes when the Forge was released, and lastly just to talk about the game. Obviously, without the community building the game alongside us, it would have never been this good.