State of Decay 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking State of Decay 3 across the outlets.
Compulsion Games Confirms Retaining Rights to South of Midnight, We Happy Few After Xbox SplitCompulsion Games has confirmed it is returning to independence after its split from Xbox, retaining the rights to its titles South of Midnight, We Happy Few, and Contrast. This news comes amidst widespread layoffs at Xbox, with Compulsion's future now secure despite rumors of closure. The studio aims to continue creating unique games that tell important stories.
State of Decay 3 Could Skip Game Pass, Third-Party Funding Still Lives – RumorA report suggests that State of Decay 3 might not be a day one release on Xbox Game Pass, despite Xbox funding its development, as Undead Labs is reportedly under new ownership. The article also touches on the shifting priorities at Xbox regarding Game Pass funding for third-party developers and the perceived underinvestment in the Minecraft IP.
Xbox Appoints Helen Chiang as COO, Studios to Only Have Maximum of 5 Management LayersXbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant changes to the division's operational structure, including reducing management layers to a maximum of five and appointing Helen Chiang as the new Chief Operating Officer. These changes follow recent layoffs affecting approximately 1,200 employees, with plans for further reductions. The restructuring aims to streamline workflows, improve accountability, and refocus investment for future growth, while four studios—Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs—are being released from Xbox.
Kojima Productions’ OD Remains Safe Ahead of Xbox Reset – RumorDespite recent rumors of potential studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, Kojima Productions' upcoming horror title OD is reportedly safe. This comes as other studios like Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Arkane Lyon face uncertain futures. OD remains Kojima Productions' primary focus for 2026.- Rumor: Microsoft’s next layoffs are poised to hit Blizzard, Bethsoft, and Undead LabsRumors suggest Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several of its gaming studios, including Undead Labs, Blizzard Entertainment, and Bethesda Softworks. These cuts are reportedly the largest for Xbox and come as the company evaluates its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition. Unionized workers at Xbox are reportedly organizing to negotiate over potential job losses.
Rykte: State of Decay 3-utvecklaren Undead Labs riskerar också stängningRecent reports suggest that Microsoft may be considering closing or selling Undead Labs, the developer of the highly anticipated State of Decay 3. This follows unconfirmed information that Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games are also facing potential closures or sales. Microsoft is reportedly planning to make these decisions in early July.
Xbox cuts rumoured to be the ‘largest single layoff event’ in gaming historyReports suggest that Xbox is planning a significant round of layoffs, potentially the largest in gaming history, impacting multiple studios including Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Game designer George Broussard claims to have inside information indicating widespread studio closures and job cuts across the Xbox division following the end of its fiscal year.- State of Decay 3, Which Was at Xbox Games Showcase and Is Currently Running Playtests, Reportedly at Risk of Cancellation as Buyer Sought for Undead LabsReports suggest that State of Decay 3 and its developer Undead Labs are at risk of cancellation as part of impending layoffs at Xbox. There are concerns that a buyer is being sought for Undead Labs.
Xbox is reportedly considering closing State of Decay developer Undead LabsMicrosoft is reportedly considering closing several Xbox-owned studios, including Undead Labs, the developer of the State of Decay series. Other studios at risk include Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory, as part of a broader 'reset' plan for the Xbox brand aimed at improving profitability. These potential closures could result in hundreds of job losses, with layoffs expected to begin in early July.
Analysts attempt to make sense of Xbox's latest exclusivity pivotXbox is undergoing another strategic shift regarding game exclusivity, moving from a multiplatform approach back towards select console exclusives. This pivot, occurring under new leadership, aims to re-establish reasons for consumers to invest in the Xbox ecosystem, balancing a console business with a platform-agnostic publishing strategy.
70+ minuters gameplay från State of Decay 3A gameplay video exceeding 70 minutes for State of Decay 3 has been released by YouTuber Brian Menard, offering a look at the survival gameplay. The game is slated for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, though the footage is from an early alpha build.
PS5's State of Decay 3 Looks to Have All the Ingredients for SuccessState of Decay 3, currently in Early Alpha, showcases extensive 72-minute gameplay footage highlighting resource scavenging, base building, and emergent world interactions. While the art style is noted as uninspired, the game appears to have strong potential for financial success within the popular survival genre. The official release is targeted for 2027, though a delay is considered possible given its current development stage.
State of Decay 3 Gets 72-Minute Gameplay Showcase of Early Alpha BuildUndead Labs has released a nearly 72-minute gameplay showcase of an early alpha build for State of Decay 3. The footage highlights survival mechanics, resource scavenging, and zombie combat, demonstrating a more polished experience than its predecessor. The game is slated for a 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be AheadXbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Even with PS5 Ports, Many of Xbox's Games Have Been UnderperfomingAn internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that the division is operating at a 3% accountability margin, leading to layoffs. Many of Xbox's first-party games, even those with PlayStation 5 ports, have underperformed in sales and Xbox Game Pass engagement, failing to meet expectations.
Xbox Finally Has Big Exclusives Again, But Gamers Are Still ConfusedXbox is facing confusion regarding its exclusive game strategy, with recent announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution being console exclusives while other titles remain multiplatform. This shift back towards exclusives, despite years of opening up its games, has led to criticism about inconsistent communication and strategy from Microsoft executives like Asha Sharma and Matthew Ball. The article questions the long-term viability and clarity of this approach, especially concerning future titles and the impact on player trust.
Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve a Studio ClosureXbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, potentially affecting thousands of employees and possibly including the closure of a studio. This comes amid reports of declining annual revenue despite substantial investments, leading to a reassessment of business strategies and a potential shift back towards console exclusives.- Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve Studio ClosuresXbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, which may include the closure of some studios. Employees were reportedly shocked by the cancellation of Gears of War. The publisher also announced several new games for the PlayStation 5, including State of Decay 3 and Senua.
There's never been an easier time to boycott Microsoft, the most boring video game publisher in the businessThis opinion piece argues that Microsoft's gaming division lacks innovation and momentum, making it an easy target for boycotts. The author criticizes recent game announcements like Halo and Gears of War remakes, and highlights the company's perceived stagnation despite owning numerous studios and franchises. The article suggests that boycotting Microsoft is a small sacrifice given the company's broader business practices and the abundance of alternative games available.- Multiplayer zombie survivalbox State of Decay 3 announces a 2027 release window in new gameplay trailerUndead Labs has announced that State of Decay 3 is targeting a 2027 release window for Xbox, PlayStation 5, and PC. A new gameplay trailer showcased features like plague nests, improved combat, and a larger map. Alpha testing will be expanded later, followed by beta testing.