The indie game The Left Behind launches on the gaming platform Steam, developed by 29-year-old urban planner and designer Justin Jager from Groningen, according to an interview published on OOG Radio en Televisie. The title plunges players into a virtual version of Haren overrun by zombies, featuring a multi-hour story mode designed for solo players or co-op sessions.
Why Haren and Veendam Became a Zombie Apocalypse Setting
Jager selected Haren as the primary map because it provides a seamless transition from a dense village core to an open landscape, offering vital geographical variety for gameplay, according to the interview. Rather than attempting to recreate the entire city of Groningen—which presented an overwhelming architectural challenge—the developer mapped specific real-world landmarks into the project. Players will recognize the Lutborgsweg, the Burchtweg, and cemetery De Eshof, complete with its distinctive entrance gate. Beyond Haren, Jager incorporated nostalgic locations from his childhood in Veendam, digitally reconstructing his former secondary school, Ubbo Emmius (which closed in 2019), and the Tropiqua swimming pool entirely from memory.
Did you know? The Left Behind wasn’t originally conceived as a zombie game. Jager stated that his initial creative prompt was exploring what the world would look like without human life, adding the infected elements only later to enhance the abandoned atmosphere.
Development Timeline and Technical Requirements
The project spans three years of independent design work, built after Jager completed a Game Design program at the Alfa-college twelve years prior and worked for a game developer in Drenthe, as reported by OOG Radio en Televisie. To build the virtual environment, the creator combined spatial data sourced from Google Maps with on-the-ground reference gathering in Haren. Despite the detailed environments, the game does not require high-end hardware; standard gaming PCs can run the software without issue. For the narrative delivery, Jager hired a professional voice actor to build emotional atmosphere and depth into the overarching mystery of why the dead took over the village.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Left Behind releasing?
The game launches on Monday, July 27, on the Steam gaming platform, according to developer Justin Jager.
Can the game be played with friends?
Yes, players can experience the story solo or team up with friends across multiple gameplay modes.
Which real-life locations are included in the game?
The map features recognizable spots from Haren—such as Lutborgsweg, Burchtweg, and De Eshof cemetery—alongside Veendam locations including the former Ubbo Emmius school and Tropiqua swimming pool.
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