Ocean Drive Studio to Launch God Save Birmingham Beta

The upcoming public playtest will introduce a co-op alpha build and new save functionality.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Graphic illustration of a weathered wooden shield in tall grass with a crown symbol, evoking dark medieval survival. — Ocean Drive Studio will host a public playtest for the zombie-survival title God Save Birmingham from November 2 through November 9, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you plan to participate in the public beta test for God Save Birmingham?

Ocean Drive Studio will host a public beta test for the game God Save Birmingham from 2 November 2026 through 9 November 2026. This second testing phase follows a previous event in June 2026.

Why it matters

The studio is conducting this test to allow a broader audience to experience the updated game mechanics and provide essential feedback to the developers. Participants will be able to test new features ranging from co-op integration to expanded survival systems.

The initial beta test saw over 67,000 players participate in the game's early development cycle. The upcoming test period runs from 2 November to 9 November.

The players

Ocean Drive Studio

This is the independent game development company responsible for the creation and ongoing updates of the title God Save Birmingham.

Steam

Operated by Valve Corporation, this digital distribution platform serves as the primary storefront and hosting service for the game's playtest.

The details

Updates for this session include a new co-op alpha build, an integrated save feature, and expanded survival mechanics like varied zombie behaviors and clothing-based warmth levels. Players can gain access to the playtest by clicking the Request Access button on the game's Steam page.

The initial beta test for the game took place in June 2026.
The second public beta test begins on 2 November 2026.
The second public beta test concludes on 9 November 2026.

Political Context

The use of the Steam Playtest distribution tool follows a pattern established by developers who prioritize iterative, community-driven development to refine gameplay. This approach allows studios to gather data and validate mechanics before a final commercial release.

Interested players can gain access to the beta by visiting the official store page and requesting entry. The update introduces significant changes to crafting, cooking, and survival mechanics that will alter how participants experience the game world.

The takeaway

Players looking to provide input on the game should prioritize testing the new co-op mode and save system, as these are the primary updates for this cycle. Engaging with the feedback loop ensures that the developers can address stability and balance issues discovered during the test.