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State Of Decay 3 Studio Announces It's Now Free From Xbox And Employee-Owned
Kotaku • • technology
Key Points:
- Undead Labs has officially become an independent, employee-owned game development studio after more than a decade under Xbox ownership, completing the separation process announced earlier this year.
- The studio remains focused on developing State of Decay 3, which is currently in alpha and targeting a closed beta before the end of 2024, with a planned release in 2027 for PS5, Xbox, and PC, including availability on Game Pass.
- Studio head Philip Holt emphasized that independence allows Undead Labs to better connect with its community and prioritize creating high-quality games that honor player trust.
- Undead Labs originally launched the State of Decay series with Xbox's support, with Xbox acquiring the studio in 2018 before the recent spin-off.
- Reports have surfaced of employee burnout, harassment, and a toxic work environment during State of Decay 3’s development, which may have contributed to delays.
