The original co-creator has bought the fitness game back from its parent company, ending months of uncertainty for ‘Runner 5.’
By [Ben Kirby/Head Writer] Nov 25, 2025
In a twist worthy of the audio drama itself. Zombies, Run! (ZRX) has been acquired by its original co-creator and lead writer, Naomi Alderman. The move secures the future of the beloved fitness app after a rocky year. 2025 saw content production paused and the development team significantly restructured.
Alderman, the award-winning novelist behind The Power, announced today that the app is now owned and managed by her new independent entity, Zombies Run! Ltd.
Back from the Dead
The news comes as a massive relief to the app’s dedicated community. Back in March, developer Six to Start announced a “major restructure” that left the future of Abel Township in limbo. While the servers remained active, the release of new story episodes was indefinitely paused. The tone of the announcement suggested the app might be winding down.
Today’s announcement effectively un-pauses the apocalypse.
“It’s been a massive journey, and I’m really thrilled everything has come together so that I can do this,” Alderman said in a statement. “We’re already plotting new story and exciting new ideas. Thank you to everyone who has helped build this app over the past 14 years.”
What Players Need to Know
For existing “Runner 5” players, the transition should be seamless, but there is one administrative hurdle to clear:
- Service Continues: The ZRX app, including Marvel Move and the classic Zombies, Run! catalog, remains fully functional.
- Privacy Reset: Because ownership of user data has transferred to a new legal entity, players must actively re-consent to receive email updates. If you want to know when Season 11 (or the next big update) drops, you will need to click the link in the latest announcement email or visit the ZRX website.
- New Content: While no specific dates were given, Alderman confirmed that the team is working on new storylines, signalling a return to the narrative-first focus that put the app on the map in 2012.
A Rare “Good Ending”
It is rare in the mobile gaming space for a creator to successfully buy back their IP after it has been sold to a larger conglomerate. Six to Start was acquired by OliveX in 2021, a period that eventually led to the layoffs and uncertainty seen earlier this year.
By returning the game to its primary creative force, Zombies, Run! seems to have dodged the “end of service” bullet that claims so many live-service games.
Runners, you can tie your laces and grab your earbuds. It looks like the gates to Abel Township remain open.