: This research paper from Uppsala University explicitly uses 7 Days to Die as a case study. It explores how the "Blood Moon" (Horde Night) acts as a "Night Terror" mechanic that shapes player behavior, forcing a cycle of preparation and high-stress defense.
: This study on respawning mechanics examines how the consequences of death affect immersion and mastery—key factors in a game where "death" can mean losing significant progress or inventory. (PDF) Procedural Noise in Open-World Survival Game Design ABOUT 7 Days to Die
: For a deep technical dive, this Masters thesis discusses how procedural systems create "emergent" moments where player choices and random world events collide. 3. Voxel Technology and Technical Design : This research paper from Uppsala University explicitly
While there isn't a single "official" academic paper covering all of , there are several high-quality research papers and technical resources that analyze its specific mechanics, such as survival psychology, voxel-based terrain, and procedural generation. 1. Survival Mechanics and Player Experience (PDF) Procedural Noise in Open-World Survival Game Design