If you are looking to interact with these files, players often use tools to modify their experience:

“...Open one of the Data0.pak, Data1.pak etc. Using WinRar. Extract the files and edit them...” Reddit · r/deadisland · 3 years ago

“...I lowered the resolution to 1600x900, and turned off all extra effects (ssao, chromatic abberation, etc) and the game is now playable.” Reddit · r/deadisland · 4 years ago

: The Dead Island Save Editor (DISE) is a popular tool for modifying player levels, skills, and inventory items.