At PAX Unplugged 2024, All Ages of Geek caught up with Bernie Lamb from Dead Alive Games to talk about the studio’s evolution, their latest projects, and why strategy and accessibility are at the heart of everything they create.
From Miniatures to Bigger Worlds
Dead Alive Games first entered the scene back in 2018, starting as a passion project fueled by miniatures gaming. Bernie explained that the team originally came from the world of Star Wars X-Wing and Warhammer 40K, where painting, building, and competitive play were second nature.
Their first major game, Omicron Protocol, was a cyberpunk-themed miniatures skirmish game, designed to be accessible while still offering rich gameplay. It was a clear reflection of their roots—full of tactical depth but still inviting to players who might be new to miniatures-heavy games.
After launching Omicron Protocol, Dead Alive Games made the decision to broaden their approach. Instead of sticking just to miniatures, they moved toward making all kinds of strategy-focused games, aiming to reach an even wider audience.
Games That Challenge Without Overcomplicating
One thing that stands out in Dead Alive’s approach is their focus on creating games that are easy to learn but still challenging to master.
Bernie talked about how they want players to feel tested every time they play, not because the rules are overwhelming, but because the strategy runs deep.
Whether it’s building the perfect engine in Lunar Rush or planning your moves carefully in Cyber Pet Quest, their games aim to hit that sweet spot where you’re always discovering new ways to win without feeling bogged down by a million tiny rules.
He explained that even though Cyber Pet Quest has a lighter tone, the strategy behind the game remains sharp. You’re still thinking several steps ahead, reacting to random order changes, and making tough decisions—all wrapped up in a world where you control cybernetically enhanced pets on a mission.
How Cyber Pet Quest Changed Everything for Dead Alive Games
One of the biggest surprises for the studio was Cyber Pet Quest, a much lighter, more colorful adventure compared to their earlier, grittier projects.
Set in the same universe as Omicron Protocol, Cyber Pet Quest shifts the focus to the perspective of pets living in a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk world, trying to find their missing owners.
At first, there was some hesitation about softening the tone so much. But after tons of playtesting and player feedback, the team realized that making the world more welcoming—especially for younger players and casual gamers—was the right move.
Instead of grim, dark survival, Cyber Pet Quest offered something playful and adventurous, opening the door for even more players to dive into the setting without being overwhelmed.
Dead Alive Games: A Partnership Built on Honesty
Bernie also talked about the strong partnership between himself and Brett, his co-creator at Dead Alive Games.
The two built a creative relationship based on honesty, trust, and a shared focus on improving the games at every step. Even when disagreements happen, they make sure to talk through everything openly, knowing that every conversation makes the final product stronger.
That willingness to listen, debate, and adapt has shaped every project they’ve released so far, and it’s clear it’ll continue to guide them into the future.
Where to Find Dead Alive Games
If you want to check out their games, you can find everything at deadalivegames.com.
Their titles like Omicron Protocol, Lunar Rush, and Cyber Pet Quest are also available through game stores and online, and they’re always happy to hear from players who want to dive deeper into their growing world
Final Thoughts
Dead Alive Games isn’t just about building games—they’re about building experiences where players are always learning, planning, and having fun, no matter their skill level.
From gritty cyberpunk battles to heartwarming pet adventures, they prove that strategy and accessibility can go hand-in-hand.
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