State of Decay 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking State of Decay 3 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
2027 Upcoming Games Release Schedule
This article provides a comprehensive release schedule for video games anticipated in 2027. It details specific titles with their planned release months and platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Games with broader 2027 release windows are also listed.
Betawatch: ArcheAge Chronicles plans a network test for next weekend
ArcheAge Chronicles is planning a network test for September 12th, continuing its development journey. The article also rounds up other MMO news, including updates on Guild Wars 3, Farhaven, and Aion 2, alongside a lengthy list of games currently in various stages of testing and development.
We Played State of Decay 3 and It's In Good Shape Despite the Xbox Upheaval
An early alpha build of State of Decay 3 shows promise, with players experiencing an action-packed 30 minutes. Despite recent upheaval within Xbox, the game appears to be in good shape.
State of Decay 3’s Gameplay Shows Off Combat, Team Work and More
An alpha build of State of Decay 3 was showcased at Gamescom 2026, offering a look at its combat mechanics, team-based gameplay, and exploration features. While gameplay is subject to change, the preview highlighted key elements of the upcoming zombie survival game.
Multiplayer survivalbox State of Decay 3 forges ahead with beta plans after July layoffs
Undead Labs announced that State of Decay 3 will undergo beta playtests before the end of the year, following earlier alpha tests. This indicates the game is progressing despite recent layoffs at the studio in July. The multiplayer survival game is slated for a 2027 release.
Despite Being The End Of The World, State Of Decay 3 Is Surprisingly Welcoming
State of Decay 3 offers a surprisingly welcoming experience for both newcomers and long-time fans, despite its apocalyptic setting. The game features procedurally generated characters with unique traits and abilities, emphasizing community and survival. Its dynamic world and engaging multiplayer allow players to approach challenges in various ways, from direct combat to strategic resource management.
State of Decay 3 Announces Closed Beta Playtests Later This Year
State of Decay 3 will be offering closed beta playtests later this year. Fans will have an opportunity to experience the game before its official release.
State of Decay 3 Closed Beta Scheduled for Later This Year
Undead Labs has announced that State of Decay 3 will enter a closed beta later this year, following its closed alpha phase. Creative director Kevin Patzelt confirmed that the beta will include improvements to combat, cosmetics, movement, and visual fidelity based on alpha feedback. The game is set to launch in 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, featuring survival mechanics, base building, and untethered multiplayer.
Following Xbox Breakup, State Of Decay 3 Will Return With A Closed Beta Playtest
Undead Labs announced that State of Decay 3 will begin a closed beta playtest before the end of 2026, with more players gaining access over time. The beta aims to stress-test the game's large map and untethered multiplayer, building on lessons learned from a previous alpha test. The game is currently slated for a 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
State of Decay 3 lives on after studio's separation from Xbox, with a closed beta promised for this year
Undead Labs has announced that a closed beta for State of Decay 3 will begin in 2026, following the studio's separation from Xbox. The game, which is set to launch in 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, will also feature expanded alpha testing throughout this year. This news comes after Microsoft's recent layoffs and restructuring within its gaming division, which included the sale of Undead Labs.
State of Decay 3: Closed Beta Playtests Will Open the Game to Even More Players This Year
Undead Labs is expanding closed beta playtests for State of Decay 3 to more players and platforms throughout 2026, ahead of its 2027 launch. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, cloud, Steam, and PlayStation 5, and will be included with Game Pass. These playtests aim to stress-test and fine-tune the game's systems, including its untethered multiplayer and largest map to date.
Halo’s PlayStation Debut Could Also Be Its Farewell
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant strategic shift, moving away from broad multi-platform releases like Halo: Campaign Evolved towards a renewed focus on console exclusivity. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, involves scaling back the Xbox division and potentially canceling unannounced titles, though games already expected on other platforms will proceed. The article analyzes the implications of this shift for future Halo titles and the broader gaming landscape, considering factors like sales, player acquisition, and potential exclusive benefits for Xbox players.
Xbox Wants a “Reliable Pipeline” of Exclusives, But Fans Shouldn’t “Overly Fixate” on Single-Player
Xbox's chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company needs a reliable pipeline of exclusive games to drive platform growth, even if some titles like Fable and Clockwork Revolution will also release on PlayStation 5. While large live-service games will remain multiplatform, Matt Booty indicated that single-player games are not strictly bound to exclusivity. Gears of War: E-Day is confirmed for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with Fable and Clockwork Revolution also slated for multiplatform releases.
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?
This article explores whether external development studios should also work on their own original games alongside client projects. While some studios like Redcatpig and Lab42 see internal projects as crucial for team motivation, skill development, and creative outlets, others like Code Wizards and Airship prioritize their service-based business model to avoid resource drain and client competition. The consensus suggests that while internal projects can offer significant benefits, careful management and clear focus are essential to balance them with external work.
South of Midnight Developer is Looking for Studios to Collaborate With
Compulsion Games, now an independent studio after being released from Xbox, is seeking collaboration partners for its next project. The studio, which developed the BAFTA and Peabody Award-winning game South of Midnight, aims to leverage its talent and expertise while securing funding. This announcement follows recent layoffs at Xbox and the independent transitions of other former Xbox studios like Undead Labs, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory.
Summary: what's happening at Xbox?
Xbox announced a major restructuring involving 3,200 job cuts, with 1,600 immediate layoffs, primarily affecting ZeniMax studios like Bethesda and id Software. Several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, are being sold off or spun out as independent entities. This move aims to refocus on high-earning franchises and improve profit margins, impacting the development of upcoming titles like The Elder Scrolls 6 and potentially State of Decay 3.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
Opinion: Welcome to the house of pain, brought to you by Xbox
Xbox is facing significant layoffs and studio closures despite massive investments in mergers and acquisitions, including the $70 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard King. CEO Asha Sharma cited a failure to meet growth expectations for Game Pass and multi-platform strategies as reasons for the 'reset,' which has resulted in over 7,000 job cuts across the company since January 2024, with more planned.
After 8 years and no new releases, Undead Labs' biggest contribution to Xbox is the tech it leaves behind
Despite not releasing new games in eight years, Undead Labs, acquired by Xbox Game Studios in 2018, has made significant technological contributions. Their 'Shared Save' technology, initially developed for State of Decay 2 and later expanded, enabled Obsidian's Grounded and will support State of Decay 3's larger communities. This tech allows for shared world-data as a cloud save, reducing the need for dedicated servers.
State Of Decay 3 Might Not Come To Xbox Game Pass, After Being Promised Last Month
State of Decay 3, previously confirmed for Xbox Game Pass, may not launch on the subscription service due to the terms of its developer's acquisition. The deal between Microsoft and the unknown buyer reportedly lacks any Xbox-controlling clauses, contradicting earlier announcements. This news follows significant layoffs at Xbox and the sale of studios like Undead Labs and Ninja Theory.
