Following Xbox Breakup, State Of Decay 3 Will Return With A Closed Beta Playtest

Summary

Microsoft reportedly sold developer Undead Labs to a mystery buyer, but the Washington-based studio is keeping its zombie survival game State of Decay 3 alive and well. In an August 26 Xbox Wire post, community manager Bruce Dugan announced that another playtest will be held later this year. While specific dates and details remain under wraps, the announcement signals that State of Decay 3 is not stalled by the split from Microsoft, but rather progressing steadily. For players, the return of a closed beta offers a chance to experience the highly anticipated zombie survival sequel early and contribute feedback. The playtest will likely focus on multiplayer co-op, survival mechanics, and new open-world features, paving the way for the final release. From an industry perspective, Undead Labs' independence and the continued development of State of Decay 3 reflect structural shifts within the gaming business—even if a studio changes hands, core projects can still secure resources and support. For the Xbox ecosystem, although the studio has split, the game may retain distribution rights on Xbox or adopt a multi-platform strategy, impacting the existing player community. Overall, the announcement of this closed beta brings fresh anticipation to fans of State of Decay 3 and demonstrates the developer's commitment to staying the course amid changes.