Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, is making waves with its latest announcement: the creation of a dynamic book-based immersive experience called Zombie Season on Roblox. This groundbreaking collaboration brings together the power of storytelling and the popularity of the global platform Roblox, where millions of people connect and communicate daily. Zombie Season on Roblox will launch in mid-August, just ahead of the release of the thrilling middle-grade book series opener by Justin Weinberger on September 5, 2023.

Scholastic’s interactive experience on Roblox offers an exciting opportunity for readers to delve deeper into the world of Zombie Season and its compelling cast of characters. By joining the fight against zombies and uncovering their true origins, players will step into the shoes of the books’ protagonists, fighting for survival alongside their friends. The experience allows players to explore the zombie-ravaged landscape of California, solving riddles, and progressing through the immersive game to reveal the full backstory. How did the zombie problem begin? What did scientists know? Can you put a stop to Zombie Season? The answers lie within the book, the game, and the fight against the undead.

Erin Berger, SVP of Trade Marketing and Publicity at Scholastic, expressed excitement about this innovative project: “Zombie Season is a heart-pounding read with engaging characters and a rich backstory. The storytelling will be further enhanced by the gripping immersive experience. We’re thrilled to be among the first major publishers to innovate in Roblox. Scholastic has a history of multi-platform success, most notably with The 39 Clues series, which has over 17.5 million copies in print. We’re excited to offer the legions of community members on Roblox an opportunity to extend and amplify this unique reading experience.”

The development of the Zombie Season experience on Roblox was a collaborative effort between Scholastic and creative agency Media Monks. Players will have the chance to join the zombie-fighting brigade, building defenses and battling waves of zombies. This immersive experience can be enjoyed solo or with friends, and it offers additional features such as an unlockable audio story, leaderboards, a community tip center, and wearable items that can be showcased across the Roblox platform.

About Zombie Season (Sept. 5, 2023; Scholastic; Ages 8 – 12): It’s a challenging time to be in California as each scorching summer brings predictable disaster. Towns are evacuated, properties are destroyed, and lives hang in the balance. Every summer, catastrophe strikes in the woods, marking the arrival of Zombie Season.

Growing up in Redwood, CA means learning to survive the zombie surges. However, this year’s zombie season feels different to Oliver, Joule, Regina, and their friends. The zombies have become stronger, faster, and alarmingly smarter. Despite the kids’ attempts to sound the alarm, the adults refuse to accept the frightening truth. They must find a way to confront the reality that this year’s zombie season is far more dangerous and won’t fade away on its own.

As the young heroes investigate, they realize that the problem runs deeper than they initially thought. The new wave of deadly zombies is part of a larger plan, and powerful individuals will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.

Readers can anticipate the release of Zombie Season, Book Two by Justin Weinberger in Summer 2024, continuing the gripping saga.

About Justin Weinberger: Zombie Season is Justin Weinberger’s second novel, following his debut, Reformed. Justin is also known for his contributions to various television dramas, including the FX on Hulu series “The Patient” and FX’s “The Americans,” for which he received the Writers Guild of America’s award for Outstanding Writing – Drama Series. Originally from Easton, Pennsylvania, Justin resides in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, Chelsea, and their dog, Penny.

With the launch of Zombie Season on Roblox, Scholastic is showcasing its commitment to providing engaging and innovative experiences that bridge the gap between books and interactive media. By combining the captivating storytelling of Justin Weinberger’s book series with the immersive gameplay of Roblox, Scholastic is inviting young readers and gamers alike to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the fight against the undead. Get ready to read, play, and fight for survival in the immersive world of Zombie Season.