State of Decay 3 Might Skip Game Pass Following Undead Labs Divestment
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
State of Decay 3 may lose its day one Game Pass launch after Microsoft parts ways with developer Undead Labs amidst massive corporate restructuring.
The ongoing shifts within the gaming industry are hitting subscriber favorites, and Xbox fans are watching closely. According to a recent report by Game File, State of Decay 3 might no longer land on Game Pass on day one. This potential change comes as Microsoft parts ways with developer Undead Labs amid a massive wave of 3200 layoffs across its Xbox division. While Microsoft has confirmed it found a buyer and will fund the title until launch, the agreement reportedly frees the game from Xbox controlling terms. That means its future subscription service availability is now entirely up to the studio's yet-to-be-revealed new owner.
Originally announced back in 2020, State of Decay 3 has experienced a notably protracted development cycle, with deep production ramping up much later. Recent trailers and showcases heavily leaned on the assumption that the game would follow the traditional first party model of dropping straight into Game Pass. Now, securing that day one spot would require Microsoft to strike a brand new business deal with whoever is taking over the studio. Given how much modern players rely on subscription libraries to try out sprawling co op and survival games without dropping a full seventy dollars upfront, any departure from the service alters how the community will engage with the release.
For now, players will have to wait until later this summer when the identity of Undead Labs' new parent company is officially made public. The game itself is still slated for a 2027 release across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is a stark reminder of how volatile studio structures and publishing agreements can directly impact consumer access, proving that even major platform pillars are subject to sudden corporate realignment. For all the details on the original reporting, you can check out the full story over at Eurogamer.
(Source: Eurogamer)
Tags: State of Decay 3, Xbox, Game Pass, Undead Labs, Industry News
Original article: Eurogamer