State of Decay is a zombie survival action-RPG where players manage a community of survivors navigating an open world filled with undead threats. The game originally launched in 2013 across Xbox 360 and PC.
Recent developments have centered on State of Decay 3, which was announced in 2020 and re-emerged last month with a new gameplay trailer targeting a 2027 release window. However, the project's path has shifted significantly - Undead Labs, the studio behind the series, has been sold off following Microsoft's decision to divest from several studios including Ninja Theory and Double Fine. Under its new ownership, State of Decay 3 is no longer bound by previous commitments to release on Xbox Game Pass, despite those promises being made as recently as last month's showcase. Undead Labs has confirmed development continues and stated the team's commitment to the community remains strong, though the new publisher has not yet been publicly identified.
An upcoming Xbox Game Studios game that has been confirmed multiple times to be coming to Game Pass is Undead Labs' {State of Decay 3}. On Monday, however, it was confirmed that the studio had been sold to another (as yet undisclosed) publisher, and apparently the deal includes d…
via Polygon
As Xbox cuts ties with Ninja Theory, Compulsion, and Double Fine, Undead Labs' case is the worst but not the only case of mismanagement
via GameSpot
Exactly a month ago, State of Decay 3 re-emerged at the Xbox Games Showcase with a new gameplay trailer promising a 2027 release window--plus the game's inclusion on Xbox Game Pass. But the open-world survival game might not arrive on Microsoft's subscription service after all. G…
via IGN
As Undead Labs continues development on State of Decay 3 under new ownership, it sounds like the zombie survival sequel won't be required to be on Xbox Game Pass.
"The team is working hard, and our commitment to this community has never been stronger," said Undead Labs in a statement.
via TrueAchievements
The game was announced in 2020, and reappeared last month
via Dualshockers
Undead Labs is under new ownership, and it doesn't owe XBOX GamePass access to State of Decay 3.
via TheGamer
The new owners of Undead Labs and Ninja Theory could also be revealed this year (and as early as this Summer for the former).
