State of Decay 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking State of Decay 3 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
State of Decay 3 could reportedly skip Xbox Game Pass after Microsoft dumped its studio
Following Microsoft's significant restructure and layoffs, Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay 3, is reportedly moving to a new management structure or becoming independent. This change could mean that State of Decay 3 will not be required to launch on Xbox Game Pass, despite its recent gameplay reveal and 2027 release window.
State of Decay 3 may no longer launch into Game Pass, now that Microsoft is letting developer Undead Labs go
State of Decay 3 may no longer launch day one on Game Pass following Microsoft's sale of developer Undead Labs. While Microsoft will continue to fund the game's development until its 2027 release on PC and consoles, the sale agreement frees the studio from "Xbox-controlling terms." The new owner of Undead Labs, to be revealed this summer, will decide the game's distribution, potentially requiring a new deal with Xbox for a Game Pass launch.
Xbox Moves On From 4 Studios and Layoffs Off Thousands of Others
Xbox has announced significant restructuring, impacting over 1600 employees and planning for another 1600 over the next two fiscal years. Four studios—Double Fine Productions, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs—will become independent or be acquired by new entities, retaining their intellectual property. Numerous other studios, including Zenimax Online, Id Software, Obsidian, and Bethesda Game Studios, are also undergoing substantial layoffs as Xbox refocuses on its major franchises like Call of Duty, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Halo, and Minecraft.
Games Inbox: Is the Xbox doomed to failure?
Readers express concerns about the future of Xbox, citing recent studio closures and a reliance on aging franchises like Halo and Gears of War. The discussion also touches on the shift towards digital-only games, the impact on game preservation, and the potential for companies like Sony to influence Kickstarter campaigns.
The Gaming Industry Is Eating Itself Alive
Xbox is undergoing a massive restructuring, including 3,200 layoffs, impacting numerous studios and divisions like Activision, Bethesda, and Blizzard. While some studios regain independence and first-party projects remain safe for now, the article criticizes Xbox's overall strategy, citing Game Pass's performance and declining hardware revenue. The piece also touches on PlayStation's similar issues with digital ownership and preservation, painting a bleak picture for the future of gaming costs and ownership.
State of Decay 3 Studio Confirms Development is Continuing as it Transitions Out of Xbox
Undead Labs has confirmed that development on State of Decay 3 is continuing as the studio transitions away from Xbox. While details about the new ownership are scarce, the studio expressed optimism about the game's future. This news comes amidst significant layoffs and studio sales within Xbox, affecting other developers like Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games.
Xbox Layoffs 2026: What Microsoft's Reset Means for Average Gamers
Microsoft's Xbox division has undergone a massive restructuring, cutting approximately 3,200 jobs in fiscal year 2027 and shuttering or spinning off five studios, including Ninja Theory and Arkane Lyon. This move comes despite Microsoft's overall profitability, with Xbox reportedly struggling with low profit margins and a failed attempt to achieve a 30% accountability margin. The article analyzes the business decisions, including Game Pass accounting and price hikes, that led to these layoffs and discusses the implications for gamers, including potential changes to hardware strategy and game exclusivity.
The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
Undead Labs Reportedly Won't Be Required to Bring State of Decay 3 to Xbox Game Pass After Microsoft Sale
Undead Labs may not be required to launch State of Decay 3 on Xbox Game Pass following its acquisition by Microsoft. The studio is continuing development on the zombie survival sequel.
Xbox Layoffs Hit Id Software And ZeniMax As Focus Shifts To Bigger Franchises
Xbox is undergoing its most significant restructure in history, with approximately 20% of its workforce being laid off. This includes significant staff reductions at Id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, though these developers will remain operational. Xbox leadership stated the company will focus on higher-priority projects and major franchises, assuring that no previously announced first-party games will be canceled as part of these changes.
Xbox Announces Biggest Restructure in Company History as Thousands of Jobs Are Cut | Invision Game Community
Xbox is undergoing its largest restructuring, involving approximately 3,200 job cuts and changes to its studio structure. Xbox President Asha Sharma stated the current business model is unsustainable due to increasing costs and slower-than-expected growth. Several studios like Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will become independent, while others like Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are expected to transition to new ownership.
No Announced Xbox Games Are Getting Axed In Microsoft Layoffs, Company Says
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting 1,600 employees at Xbox, with another 1,600 planned over the next year. Despite these cuts and studio sales, the company stated that no already announced first-party Xbox games are being canceled. Titles like Clockwork Revolution, Gears of War: E-Day, Hellblade, and State of Decay 3 are still confirmed to be in development.
Microsoft needs to "reset Xbox," says Asha Sharma, as the company lays off 3,200 employees
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing significant restructuring, with approximately 3,200 employees being laid off throughout the 2027 fiscal year, including 1,600 immediately. CEO Asha Sharma stated the business is not healthy and operating at lower margins than comparable companies. Several studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, will transition to independent management, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are set to be acquired by new owners.
Xbox announces 'the most significant restructure' in its history — and it'll cause 1,600 'painful' job losses today and numerous studio sales
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing its most significant restructure, resulting in approximately 1,600 job losses today and a total of 3,200 over the fiscal year. Four studios, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are also being sold or will gain new ownership as part of the changes. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited unhealthy business margins and slower-than-expected growth in areas like Game Pass and multi-platform releases as reasons for the cuts.
Xbox cuts 3,200 staff as four studios to exit Microsoft – Arkane under review
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees within its Xbox division, with 1,600 staff being let go immediately. Four studios, including Ninja Theory and Undead Labs, are becoming independent or being sold off, while Arkane Lyon's future is under review. This restructuring follows a period of rapid developer acquisitions and aims to refocus Xbox's business strategy.
State Of Decay And Hellblade Devs Are Being Sold, But Buyers Remain Mysterious For Now
Microsoft's Xbox division is selling off development studios Undead Labs and Ninja Theory as part of a larger restructuring that includes significant layoffs. While the buyers remain undisclosed, these studios will continue to work on their respective titles, Senua and State of Decay 3. Additionally, Compulsion Games and Double Fine are becoming independent, and Arkane's French studio is undergoing consultation for potential strategic options.
Xbox are parting ways with Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion, and Ninja Theory in the course of thousands of layoffs
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting 3200 employees and is parting ways with five Xbox-owned studios: Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory. Some studios will become independent or find new ownership, while Arkane's future is uncertain. CEO Asha Sharma cited rising costs, underperforming acquisitions, and a challenging industry landscape as reasons for the "reset."
Microsoft confirms 3200 layoffs and four studio departures
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees across its Xbox business, including 1,600 on the day of the announcement. Four studios, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, will either become independent or find new ownership, while Arkane Studios faces strategic review. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited slower-than-expected growth in Game Pass, multi-platform strategies, and content portfolio as reasons for the restructuring, which will also involve reducing management layers.
Xbox confirms mass layoffs, Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games to go independent
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant changes, including layoffs affecting 3,200 employees and four studios becoming independent or sold. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions are now independent, retaining their IP rights, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs have been sold to new owners. Sharma cited an unhealthy business model with low profit margins as the reason for these drastic measures.
Xbox cutting 3,200 jobs and parting ways with Double Fine, Compulsion, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs
Microsoft has initiated a significant restructure of its Xbox division, eliminating 3,200 jobs and parting ways with four studios: Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated the cuts are necessary due to underperforming bets on Xbox Game Pass and multiplatform releases, as well as a severe hardware crisis impacting component prices. The company aims to streamline operations, reduce management layers, and foster a more efficient development environment.
