State of Decay 3 Confirms Day One Game Pass Launch Following Studio Independence
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
State of Decay 3 will still launch day one on Xbox Game Pass as developer Undead Labs finalizes its transition into an independent, employee-owned studio ahead of its 2027 release.
As reported by Game Rant, State of Decay 3 is officially locked in for a day one Xbox Game Pass release. This confirmation arrives just as developer Undead Labs completes its transition away from Microsoft to become an independent, employee-owned studio. Fans have awaited the open-world zombie survival sequel since its initial 2020 announcement, especially following its first gameplay reveal during the June 2026 Xbox Games Showcase.
The studio restructuring follows a pattern similar to previous Microsoft divestments like Compulsion Games and Double Fine, though Undead Labs has emerged as an entirely independent entity rather than joining new corporate ownership. While Microsoft has not yet named the new publisher taking over the project, the publisher has guaranteed that the subscription service launch remains intact. Currently targeting a 2027 release window, the game is still planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Development momentum remains strong as the team heads toward closed beta tests slated for later this year. The upcoming sequel significantly scales up the franchise formula by introducing a map roughly four times larger than previous entries, complete with multiple settlements and untethered four-player online co-op. Studio head Philip Holt noted that this newfound independence allows the team to stay closely aligned with its community as they put the finishing touches on the ambitious survival sandbox.
Tags: Xbox Game Pass, State of Decay 3, Undead Labs, Survival Games, PC Gaming
Original article: Game Rant