During a recent Community Q&A, Air Studios Studio Head David Mary joined players to discuss the future of ShooterofIO: Dark Warfare II, the upcoming Worldwide Reveal, and the studio's vision for the next era of ShooterofIO.

According to Mary, Dark Warfare II has been a passion project for Air Studios since 2022 and was originally envisioned as the team's next major release before plans evolved internally.

“Dark Warfare II has been a passion project for the team since 2022 and was originally the game we wanted to release in 2024,” Mary said. “But now we have the proper ideas, we are ready to deliver a dark and unique experience that is a true ShooterofIO game and Air Studios feeling experience.”

While set in the year 2048, Air Studios reaffirmed that Dark Warfare II remains committed to boots-on-the-ground combat and the core ShooterofIO identity. Mary explained that movement and core gameplay remain grounded, with the team intentionally avoiding changes that would make the experience feel disconnected from the franchise.

“Everything you do in terms of movement is very much boots on the ground,” Mary said. “The team knows that we can't change too much of the core experience without risking making a game that feels entirely separate from core ShooterofIO.”

WORLDWIDE REVEAL MOVES TO JUNE 7

One of the largest announcements from the Q&A confirmed that the Dark Warfare II Worldwide Reveal has officially moved forward from June 12 to June 7.

Air Studios explained that the move follows lessons learned from previous marketing cycles and aligns with the Xbox Games Showcase, where Mob Productions and Xbox partnerships provide an opportunity to introduce the game to a wider audience.

June 7 will feature the official reveal trailer, an early look at Campaign gameplay, and several accompanying blog posts introducing players to the project.

“We cannot wait for people to finally see the game for themselves,” Mary said.

NO ZOMBIES ON JUNE 7 — BUT JUNE IS STILL A MONTH FOR ZOMBIES

Air Studios also addressed one of the most requested topics surrounding Dark Warfare II: Zombies.

While June 7 will focus on Campaign and the game's initial reveal, the studio confirmed that Zombies content will not be shown during the Worldwide Reveal event.

“I'm going to say sorry in advance here -- but Air Studios will not be sharing anything on June 7th relating to Zombies. We have further plans,” Mary said.

However, Zombies players were not left empty-handed.

Mary confirmed that June remains an important month for the mode, teasing a dedicated reveal period later in the month.

“June is also a month for Zombies. Just not the 7th.”

Air Studios later confirmed that players can expect a full Zombies deep dive at the end of June.

“Dark Warfare II Zombies is a very large and replayable experience,” Mary explained. “We've taken a lot of things from the first Dark Warfare Zombies mode and expanded upon it.”

EVERY MODE TREATED AS ITS OWN GAME

Throughout the discussion, Mary repeatedly emphasized Air Studios' philosophy toward Dark Warfare II's development.

Rather than treating Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies as supporting experiences, the team approached each mode with equal importance.

“Everything in Dark Warfare II has been treated as its own game. As best as we could've done so.”

Mary also discussed balancing community feedback with maintaining studio vision, acknowledging that while feedback matters, development cannot be driven purely by demand.

“We must stick to our original vision,” he said. “We cannot cancel something major for a small group of players.”

While some smaller elements from the original Dark Warfare may not return immediately, Air Studios suggested that certain removed features may still have a future.

“Some things that may be removed aren't going to be gone forever.”

THE AIR STUDIOS PHILOSOPHY

During the closing moments of the Q&A, Mary reflected on Air Studios itself and what defines the team's culture.

According to Mary, the studio's identity is built around teamwork, pride, and constant improvement.

“We always aim to improve and make a better game than last time.”

Asked to describe Dark Warfare II in one word, Mary responded simply:

Advanced.

With the Worldwide Reveal now only days away, Air Studios says the team is ready.

And when asked whether June 7 brings excitement or nerves?

Mary's answer was immediate:

Excited.