© Deep Silver
International brand manager Blazej Krakowiak told Digital Spy that the reason is nothing to do with the game engine.
"Chrome Engine runs on Wii U without any problems," he said. "We tested and confirmed that long time ago, back in 2012.
"While it's true that Nintendo's latest console would be a new platform for us, there were simply no plans to develop a Wii U version, but that decision has nothing to do with a need to rewrite our engine."
Krakowiak would not clarify further on why a Wii U version is not in the works, saying it was "up to Deep Silver to discuss if they so choose".
Original story: Deep Silver has explained why there will be no Wii U version of Dead Island: Riptide.
Creative producer Alexander Toplansky said that the team would have had to build the engine to work with the system or do a port in order for the game to work on Nintendo's platform.
© Koch Media
"One of the opportunities we had for Riptide was to continue the development of the engine, and really improve it and make a lot of refinements," he told Digital Spy.
"The things that are required to bring something to a new platform, you need to either really get to be integrating it deep into the engine, or you've got to [do] a port.
"Neither one of those was a satisfactory outcome for us, so we decided to do what we got platform-wise and just make sure that we can deliver the best experience we can."
Asked whether the franchise could appear on Wii U in future, Toplansky replied: "There are no plans for the moment.
"It's not something I would categorically rule out, but it's not something that's planned."
Gallery: Images of Dead Island Riptide:
Copyright: Deep Silver
A nine-minute video of Dead Island: Riptide recently showcased a zombie defence mission.The game will continue directly where the original Dead Island left off, and adds a new playable character and a new island under siege by a monsoon.
It will be available on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC from April 23 in North America and April 26 in Europe, alongside a number of special editions.
A controversial Zombie Bait Edition, including a mutilated statue of a female survivor, has been regretted by the publisher.
> Digital Spy's preview of Dead Island Riptide: Bring a paddle and some landmines
Watch a trailer for Dead Island Riptide:
