Bohemia Interactive has announced that DayZ is ready to leave Early Access. It will do so next year with not only a beta release, but also console versions. This is something that has been announced before, as far back as 2015 with eventual delays, but lead producer Eugen Harton says it’s solid this time.
Harton, in an update on the official DayZ website, said that 2018 is going to be one of the most important years for the game. He also states the beta version will not be “feature complete,” calling DayZ a platform that will continue to be expanded by the developer and the modding community. Until version 1.0 hits, Bohemia Interactive will focus on core gameplay concepts and polish, and will hold off on expanding the scope.
In terms of what to expect from the beta, Harton said that features such as vehile mods, barricading, birds, planes, and bikes won’t be available. He also said animal companions, a feature previously included on a roadmap plan for DayZ , is not feasible with the resources Bohemia currently has.
Source: Dayz