So I'm a 2d Graphics artist. And I would like to produce a game. (Go Figure)

This game that nothing more than a concept, has the idea of an open world, persistent zombie survival. And seeing how this is nothing more than a concept. From a conceptual point, Would would you like to see from a zombie game that you just don't get in today's big name games?

2d artist and their concepts.... you gotta love'm!

Well, my two favorite 2D zombie-themed games are Plants vs. Zombies and Vampires vs. Zombies. They're not open world persistent survival though, not even close. They are both single player games with a fairly strong comedy story framing a campaign of missions. PvZ is tower defense while VvZ is time management, but they both are about climbing a tech tree as fast as you can and the way that tech tree is limited within each mission gives that mission it's puzzle-like challenge. Sorry if that's not helpful because it's totally different from what you're looking for, though. I don't play serious horror games.

It's helpful, If I am reading it right it tells me you want to see some sort of a technological development throughout the progression of the game.

It's helpful, If I am reading it right it tells me you want to see some sort of a technological development throughout the progression of the game.

Well, that's true, if only part of it. Have you ever played a RTS like Starcraft? PvZ and VvZ are like that; there is technological progression over the course of the singleplayer campaign, as new tech tree branches are unlocked, but there is also technological progression within each mission, as the player largely has to start over each time. Though, they may randomly be given a couple of useful things they can't make yet, or useless but valuable things they can sell for a bankroll to start out the mission with. Another way there's progress over the course of the game is that the player has a home base and is rewarded with trophies, mini-games, collectibles, customizations, etc. unlocked over the course of the campaign.

A true survival mechanic, similar to Terraria. Being tasked with and able to build or procure shelter and manage supplies. Finding or growing supplies and nourishment.

RPG elements - leveling and player progression. Increasing difficulty. Armour and weapons. And a decent but not too complex combat mechanic (not one dimensional).

Optional objective to engage in - may as win conditions.

And an optional multiplayer element if possible.

I think a lot of people really want to live out the experience of a survival event. I think if you're going 2d, take a game like Terraria, flips a few things around, and increase the urgency and threat of zombies, you can get what people want. Doesn't have to necesarilly be side-scrolling 2d, maybe isometric. I could really flesh it out for you in a much longer post but this is the gist of it.

Why can't you simply be a zombie trying to survive amongst other zombies from the murderous and relatively indecent acts of living humans. Obtaining brains is not an easy process if your food shoots you in the head. Admittedly gameplay might be limited with respects to:

• Movement = shuffling
  
• Conversation = moans, groans
  
  
  Despite my flippancy, I do think looking from the opposite perspective could bring a fresh take on a "survival" game. George A. Romero in his Zombie movie "Land of the Dead" started showing zombies with developing beyond the stereotype. http://zombie.wikia.com/wiki/Land_of_the_Dead