State of Decay 3 At Risk As Microsoft Weighs Closing Undead Labs

Microsoft’s continuing mass layoffs have reportedly placed Undead Labs, the studio behind the upcoming State of Decay 3, in the firing line.

State of Decay 3 At Risk As Microsoft Weighs Closing Undead Labs
Key Takeaways
  • Microsoft is actively evaluating the sale of Undead Labs as part of corporate restructuring, placing 110 jobs at risk.
  • If a third-party buyer is not found, the studio faces potential closure, severely jeopardizing the future of State of Decay 3.
  • Any sale or closure would disrupt development, likely causing significant delays beyond the game’s targeted 2027 release window.

State of Decay 3 received its first gameplay trailer just a few weeks ago at the Xbox Games Showcase, where its release date was pushed back to 2027. However, it’s now reported that its developer, Undead Labs, could be shut down by Microsoft before it launches.

A recent GamesBeat report indicates Microsoft is evaluating the sale of multiple first-party studios, including Undead Labs, placing 110 jobs and the game at risk if Microsoft fails to find a buyer for the 17-year-old studio.

👉 READ ALSO: Undead Labs Reveals State of Decay 3 Gameplay

Why is Microsoft Reportedly Seeking a Buyer for Undead Labs?

Microsoft is actively seeking a buyer for Undead Labs as part of a broader corporate restructuring initiative aimed at reducing internal overhead.

If a third-party acquisition fails to materialize, the studio faces potential closure, placing the entire development team and the future of State of Decay 3 at severe risk.

Management is attempting to offset the financial weight of past acquisitions by offloading smaller developers rather than sustaining long development cycles, leaving Undead Labs in a precarious position despite its ongoing project.

State of Decay 3 was recently confirmed for a multi-platform release across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

How Could This Impact the State of Decay 3 Development Timeline?

A sale or closure would severely disrupt the State of Decay 3 development timeline, likely causing significant delays beyond the current 2027 release window. That is, if the game ever launches.

Even in the most favorable scenario of a rapid acquisition, the transition of intellectual property rights and developer infrastructure introduces immediate friction.

Logistically, moving internal server architecture and securing alternative funding sources naturally extend production timelines and complicate major milestones.

What Are the Next Steps for State of Decay and the Community?

As the launch of State of Decay 3 nears, the immediate next step relies entirely on official press releases from Xbox Game Studios or potential third-party buyers regarding Undead Labs acquisition status.

As the end of the financial quarter approaches, the restructuring timeline will likely force Microsoft into a definitive decision shortly. Whatever that will be.


Read this post in:

Share:

Download the Allkeyshop Browser Extension Free

For all the latest video game news, trailers, and best deals, make sure to bookmark us. You can find all the best and cheapest online deals on CD keys, game codes, gift cards, and antivirus software from the verified CD key sellers on our store pages.
To not miss any news on Allkeyshop, subscribe on Google News .

MORE RELEVANT ARTICLES