State of Decay
News, coverage and analysis tracking State of Decay across the outlets.
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Rare added to the list of Xbox studios under threat
Rumors suggest that Microsoft is planning significant layoffs across several Xbox studios, including Rare, Bethesda, and Arkane, with some studios potentially facing closure or sale. This follows recent layoffs at Bungie and Microsoft pulling out of a partnership with IO Interactive. The reported motivation behind these potential cuts is a focus on profitability by new Microsoft management.
This Week In Games Was Bad, But Next Week May Be Worse
The gaming industry experienced a particularly bleak week with multiple significant layoffs, studio closures, and price increases. Microsoft's Xbox division saw widespread job cuts, while Sony announced plans to end physical disc production for PlayStation games by 2028. These events, coupled with delays and the ongoing impact of AI discussions, paint a grim picture for the industry's immediate future.
IO Interactive Layoffs: Xbox Pulls Project Fantasy Funding — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
IO Interactive is continuing work on Project Fantasy despite Xbox pulling its funding, and will now seek alternative funding or self-publish. This is part of a larger "reset" at Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, with reports indicating several studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs, Arkane, and Double Fine are in talks to avoid closure. Xbox is reassessing its investment priorities to better fund its existing franchises and ensure a reliable pipeline of exclusive content.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next project
Xbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.
Rumor: Microsoft’s next layoffs are poised to hit Blizzard, Bethsoft, and Undead Labs
Rumors 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.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffs
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
Xbox is reportedly considering closing State of Decay developer Undead Labs
Microsoft 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.
State of Decay 3 Gameplay Revealed, Coming to PS5 and Game Pass in 2027 — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
State of Decay 3 gameplay has been revealed, showcasing a larger scale and integral multiplayer features with shared worlds for up to 4 players. The game is set to launch in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and will be available on Game Pass. Closed playtests for the title are currently ongoing.
Round Up: All the PS5 Reveals from the Xbox Showcase 2026
The Xbox Showcase 2026 featured numerous game reveals, with many titles confirmed for PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X and PC. Notable announcements included Persona 4 Revival, Wo-Long 2, and a new Spyro game, while Gears of War and Clockwork Revolution were highlighted as Xbox exclusives. Discussions among players centered on the exclusivity of certain titles and the overall lineup's appeal to different player bases.
State of Decay 3 gets a gameplay reveal trailer – set to launch in 2027 for Xbox, PC and PS5
Undead Labs revealed State of Decay 3 with a new gameplay trailer, confirming a 2027 release for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. The trailer showcased base building, horde combat, and evolved zombie behavior. This follows a six-year development cycle since the game's initial announcement.
State of Decay 3 “Nails the AAA Feel”, Might Show Up During June 7th XBOX Showcase – Rumor
According to a rumor from Jez Corden of Windows Central, State of Decay 3 is expected to be featured at the upcoming June 7th Xbox Showcase. The game is reportedly in private alpha testing and has achieved a polished 'AAA' feel, a significant improvement over its predecessor. While other Xbox Game Studios titles like those from Ninja Theory and Double Fine are unlikely to be shown due to early development stages, potential reveals include projects from Toys for Bob and InXile Entertainment, as well as a possible new Xbox Elite Controller.
Best Zombie Games Of All Time
This guide ranks the best zombie games of all time, highlighting titles that excel in survival, horror, and action. Featured games include '7 Days to Die,' 'Days Gone,' 'Resident Evil 2,' and 'The Last of Us series,' among others, spanning various platforms like PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
The 39 Best Survival Games To Play In 2026
This guide highlights 39 of the best survival games available in 2026, spanning various platforms and offering diverse gameplay experiences. The article details key features, developers, and release information for each title, emphasizing elements like resource management, base building, and combat.
Fable’s Development Was Helped by Blizzard’s Cinematics Team
Microsoft Gaming's chief content officer Matt Booty revealed that Blizzard's cinematics team assisted Playground Games with Fable's development. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative to foster synergy between Xbox Game Studios, with other examples including Compulsion Games using Activision's MoCap studio and Rare helping Double Fine with multiplayer features. Fable is slated for a Fall release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Blizzard is assisting with Fable's cinematics, while the Sea of Thieves team is lending its expertise to quirky pottery brawler Kiln
Xbox's studios are collaborating on various projects, with Blizzard assisting Playground Games with Fable's cinematics and Rare lending multiplayer expertise to Double Fine's Kiln. This cross-studio support aims to leverage unique strengths without compromising individual studio cultures, as explained by Xbox's chief content officer Matt Booty.
Microsoft is Having Discussions About Xbox Exclusives, Ecosystem and Publishing – Rumor
Microsoft executives are reportedly engaged in significant discussions regarding the future of Xbox, including its exclusivity strategy, ecosystem approach, and publishing model. These conversations are prompted by concerns over the rising cost of Game Pass and the desire to define Xbox's identity as either an ecosystem-first or publisher-first company. Internal memos suggest a need to re-evaluate Game Pass's value proposition for players and explore more flexible system designs.
State of Decay 3 is back from the dead, with new playtest to sign up too with development insight
Undead Labs has announced an alpha playtest for State of Decay 3, with sign-ups now available on the game's website. Development insights shared on the Sunny Games podcast reveal a shift towards more makeshift crafting and base building as the game progresses. The co-op experience has also been enhanced with server-based gameplay allowing for more seamless player integration and scaling difficulty.
State of Decay 3: New Trailer Teases Upcoming Closed Alpha
Undead Labs has announced a closed alpha test for State of Decay 3, with sign-ups now open. A new trailer revealed that while some elements from the initial concept trailer, like zombie animals, may not be included, the game will feature enhanced combat and base-building mechanics based on community feedback from State of Decay 2. The studio also addressed the early reveal of State of Decay 3, admitting it was shown before significant development had begun.
State Of Decay 3's Announcement Trailer Wasn't Actually The Game
Undead Labs studio head Philip Holt clarified that the 2020 announcement trailer for State of Decay 3 did not feature actual gameplay, as the game was in its very early stages of development. He explained that the trailer represented a concept and was created by an external VFX studio. Holt also confirmed that zombie animals shown in the trailer will not be in the final game, which is coming to PC and Xbox Series X|S.
State of Decay 3 Mixes the Second Game’s Systemic Features With the “Heart and Soul” of the First
Undead Labs studio head Philip Holt discussed State of Decay 3, stating it will combine the systemic features of State of Decay 2 with the 'heart and soul' of the original. The game is set years in the future with more dangerous zombie threats and will feature a larger, shared open world. Alpha playtests are scheduled to begin next month.
