DayZ creator Dean Hall acknowledged this morning that the standalone version of the hit mod missed its planned 2012 launch, and explained the reasons for the delay.

"The plan from here is straightforward. We will be releasing a closed test imminently, during which approximately 500-1000 people will assist in ensuring our architecture is correctly functioning," Hall wrote on the DayZ development Tumblr. "This closed test will be focused purely on architecture, not the game design. Once we have confirmed fixes for issues arising from the closed test, we will then reschedule an internal date for our public release."

Hall also said the inventory system has been overhauled to make it more intuitive. Changes include use of drag-and-drop on "3D models rather than 2D pictures, and being able to add items/clothing to your character in 3D in the inventory screen."

DayZ taking the "it's done when it's done" approach may be in its best interest from a couple angles. Given the title's similarity and proximity to the War Z debacle, distance and a polished product can only help the game when it's ready for public consumption.