For zombie enthusiasts and tabletop RPG fans, the latest announcement from Evil Genius Games is a dream come true: a Return of the Living Dead tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) is officially in development. Announced at PAX Unplugged, this collaboration with Living Dead Media promises to deliver the chaos, comedy, and carnage that made the 1985 cult classic film a genre-defining moment in zombie cinema.
What Makes The Return of the Living Dead TTRPG Special?
The Return of the Living Dead TTRPG is more than just a new title—it’s a creative expansion of the Everyday Heroes™ RPG system, which has successfully brought cinematic adventures like Highlander, Kong: Skull Island, and The Crow to life. This time, players will dive into a punk-rock apocalypse filled with dark humor and undead mayhem.
Designed by veteran game designer Nick Lowe, known for his work on Earthdawn and Cohors Cthulhu, the game will feature:
- New mechanics tailored to the franchise’s chaotic tone.
- Four short adventures that immerse players in the world of Return of the Living Dead.
- A punk-rock aesthetic straight from the 1980s.
Whether you’re a zombie-slaying veteran or new to the genre, this TTRPG aims to capture the frantic, outrageous energy that made Return of the Living Dead a beloved classic.
A Celebration of Zombies
This release isn’t just about gaming—it’s part of a broader resurgence for the Return of the Living Dead franchise. As it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2025, fans can look forward to an original feature film and a fully immersive VR experience, alongside this TTRPG. The partnership between Evil Genius Games and Living Dead Media ensures that both longtime fans and new audiences will have plenty of ways to engage with the franchise.
Why This Matters for Fans
The original Return of the Living Dead set itself apart with its punk-rock style, clever humor, and unique take on zombies—like the unforgettable “Tarman.” Bringing this legacy to the tabletop gaming space feels like a natural evolution, allowing fans to become part of the story. Players will get to experience the unpredictability of the undead apocalypse while navigating the franchise’s iconic mix of horror and comedy.
For TTRPG fans, the inclusion of Return of the Living Dead within the Everyday Heroes™ system is also a win. This platform is known for blending accessibility with rich, narrative-driven gameplay, making it perfect for cinematic adventures.
When Can You Play Evil Genius Games Latest Cinematic Adventure?
The Return of the Living Dead TTRPG is slated for release in 2025, coinciding with the franchise’s anniversary celebrations. Evil Genius Games has yet to announce pre-order details, but excitement is already building among fans of zombies, tabletop games, and retro horror.
This new release promises to be more than just another zombie game—it’s a love letter to a film that redefined the genre. Whether you’re reenacting iconic scenes, creating new characters to battle the undead, or embracing the chaos, the Return of the Living Dead TTRPG will offer plenty of thrills.
Are you ready to face the undead chaos? Share your excitement in the comments below or join the conversation on That’s Entertainment’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! For more details, visit Evil Genius Games.
First and foremost, Kev is a dad to three wonderful children. He’s also an uber Kevin Smith fan (all Smith’s movies are worth a watch, even Yoga Hosers) who has cried during Kermit’s monologue in The Muppets and once owned two VHS copies of Spice World. He loves all pop culture, particularly the MCU and Star Wars. The Evil Dead franchise is his favorite horror franchise, though the original Scream is his favorite scary movie. He bleeds Eagle’s green in the (suburbs of the) greatest city on Earth, Philadelphia. Go Birds!