Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

State of Decay

State of Decay is a series of third-person open-world survival video games developed by and published by , in which players scavenge resources, combat threats, and build communities of survivors in a post-apocalyptic setting. The series emphasizes mechanics, base management, and player choices that impact community growth and legacy, blending elements of , , and genres. The original State of Decay, released on June 5, 2013, for via and on November 5, 2013, for Windows, introduced core gameplay focused on , resource gathering, and defending against hordes in the rural town of Trumbull County. It was later ported as State of Decay: Year-One Survival Edition on April 28, 2015, for and Windows, featuring enhanced graphics and additional content. The sequel, , launched on May 22, 2018, for and Windows 10, expanding to and in March 2020, with co-operative multiplayer for up to four players and larger-scale community building across multiple maps. A third installment, State of Decay 3, was announced in July 2020 at the Games Showcase and is currently in development for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with no release date announced as of November 2025. The series has been praised for its innovative community simulation and replayability, though early entries faced criticism for technical issues and repetitive .

Overview

Premise and setting

The State of Decay series is set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a sudden zombie outbreak that has led to the complete collapse of global society. The narrative begins in the fictional rural expanse of Trumbull Valley, a picturesque yet isolated region in the American Pacific Northwest characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, rivers, and small towns, which serves as the primary setting for the first game and is revisited and expanded in subsequent titles and DLCs like State of Decay 2: Heartland. This outbreak, depicted without a definitive origin or scientific explanation, erupts abruptly, transforming everyday communities into overrun wastelands where survivors must navigate the ruins of civilization in perpetual isolation from any external aid. Central to the series' lore is the absence of any government restoration or organized military response, leaving pockets of humanity to fend for themselves through makeshift communities reliant on scavenging abandoned structures for food, medicine, ammunition, and materials. The apocalypse's timeline unfolds in the near future from the games' release periods, with the initial events in Trumbull Valley marking the onset of widespread societal breakdown, escalating into a persistent global catastrophe where rural enclaves become fortresses against encroaching threats. This emphasis on scavenging underscores the precariousness of survival, as resources dwindle amid the decay of infrastructure, forcing communities to prioritize sustainability over expansion in a world where external supply lines have vanished. The undead variants form the backbone of the survival horror atmosphere, with standard zombies—shambling, relentless infected that swarm in hordes—serving as the ubiquitous peril that demands constant vigilance during and gathering. More formidable are , agile four-legged mutants capable of high-speed pursuits and devastating leap attacks that can quickly overwhelm isolated survivors, while juggernauts represent hulking brutes with thunderous roars and charging assaults designed to smash through defenses and tear apart groups. These behaviors—' predatory stalking, juggernauts' destructive rampages, and ' sheer numbers—create an unpredictable ecosystem of threats, heightening tension through environmental ambushes and the need for tactical adaptation in rural hideouts.

Core themes and narrative style

The State of Decay series centers on the theme of and , where players oversee groups of survivors navigating the moral complexities of resource scarcity and high-stakes decisions in a . Moral dilemmas arise frequently, such as whether to risk a skilled survivor's life on a dangerous scavenging run to secure vital supplies or abandon an ally to preserve the group's overall strength, emphasizing the tension between individual sacrifice and collective survival. reinforces these choices, as the permanent loss of a character not only alters gameplay but also carries emotional weight, forcing players to grapple with the consequences of leadership decisions like reallocating limited resources or expanding the base at the cost of vulnerability. The series delves into amid through emergent narratives that explore , despair, loss, and , portraying as a collective effort driven by adaptability and ingenuity rather than isolated heroism. Themes of counterbalance despair, as communities rally against overwhelming threats, fostering through shared experiences of grief and recovery when key members perish. Player choices generate stories of perseverance, such as rebuilding after a devastating or integrating new recruits who bring unique skills but also interpersonal tensions, highlighting how reveals both fragility and the capacity for . Narratively, the series employs a non-linear, player-driven structure that eschews traditional hero arcs in favor of sandbox storytelling shaped by environmental changes and branching outcomes from community management. Radio broadcasts and survivor journals provide backstory and lore incrementally, revealing personal histories and world events without dictating a linear plot, allowing emergent tales to unfold through actions like base expansions or alliances. This approach draws parallels to real-world survival literature and media, particularly in depicting group dynamics under pressure as seen in The Walking Dead, where interpersonal conflicts and ethical trade-offs define the struggle for endurance.

Development

Undead Labs and early concepts

was founded in 2009 by Jeff Strain, formerly of , in , with an initial emphasis on developing innovative titles within the zombie survival genre. The studio, comprising veterans from previous game development efforts including members from such as , aimed to create immersive experiences centered on human resilience amid apocalyptic scenarios rather than rote combat mechanics. The series' origins trace to early concepts under the codename "Class3," initiated in summer 2009 as a foundational project to build toward a larger multiplayer online vision dubbed "Class4." This evolved from ambitious MMO ideas—envisioning persistent shared worlds—to a single-player open-world survival game, prioritizing narrative depth through permadeath, where character losses carried permanent consequences, and community dynamics over traditional RPG elements like leveling or loot grinding. Inspirations included films like Zombieland and the TV series The Walking Dead, shifting focus from zombie extermination to scavenging, base fortification, and interpersonal tensions in a dynamically evolving environment. Initial multiplayer prototypes were abandoned due to technical constraints and limited resources, streamlining the scope to emphasize solo survival with emergent storytelling. Development faced significant hurdles, including securing in a competitive landscape; in early 2011, announced a publishing agreement with Studios for an Xbox Live Arcade release of Class3 (later State of Decay), enabling platform access and marketing support. The team grew from a core group of about 10 to roughly 20 by launch. A pivotal came in 2011 with internal prototype testing, which solidified and base building as defining innovations— heightened emotional investment by making every decision irreversible, while base building introduced strategic layers of fortification and survivor management to simulate . These elements distinguished the project from genre peers, fostering replayability through procedural events and moral choices that reshaped the game's rural Trumbull County setting.

Microsoft involvement and studio evolution

In 2014, Undead Labs entered into a multi-year, multi-title publishing agreement with Studios, which provided financial and developmental support for the original State of Decay and laid the groundwork for future projects in the franchise. This partnership enabled the studio to expand its scope beyond independent development, focusing on enhancing the zombie survival genre while aligning with Xbox ecosystem. Microsoft fully acquired Undead Labs in June 2018, integrating it into (formerly Microsoft Studios) to bolster first-party exclusive content. The acquisition supplied with greater resources, including advanced tools and funding, allowing the studio to pursue larger-scale productions without the constraints of external publishing dependencies. This move was part of 's broader strategy to grow its internal studios and strengthen the State of Decay IP as a key Xbox exclusive. Following the acquisition, grew its workforce from around 60 employees in 2018 to over 120 by the early 2020s. In 2022, the studio faced public allegations from current and former employees of , , , and mismanagement, including claims that leadership pressured developers and delayed progress on State of Decay 3 by keeping it in . founder Jeff Strain responded, acknowledging issues and committing to improvements, though the controversies highlighted internal challenges during the studio's expansion. The studio shifted strategically toward in sequels, enabling cross-platform experiences that built on the original's single-player roots. Key milestones under Microsoft ownership include the June 2016 announcement of State of Decay 2 as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, supporting seamless cross-progression between Xbox One and Windows 10. In July 2020, during the Xbox Games Showcase, State of Decay 3 was revealed, marking the studio's commitment to evolving the franchise with new narrative and environmental elements. As of 2025, Microsoft continues to support Undead Labs through ongoing maintenance for State of Decay 2, culminating in the final content update, Update 38: Legacy Awaits, released on October 22, 2024, which addressed persistent issues and unlocked seasonal content. The studio remains in active development on State of Decay 3, with recent developer updates indicating progress toward a potential 2026 release, though the project has been relatively quiet since mid-2025.

Gameplay

Shared mechanics across the series

The State of Decay series centers on third-person action set in expansive open worlds depicting rural American environments overrun by , where players navigate procedurally generated elements such as enemy placements and loot distribution to scavenge resources and complete objectives. These worlds incorporate a dynamic day-night cycle that influences behavior, with nocturnal hours increasing ambient threats and reducing visibility to heighten tension during exploration. Combat emphasizes melee engagements using scavenged and improvised weapons like bats, pipes, and axes, alongside options for stealth approaches to avoid detection and vehicular ramming to clear paths through hordes. A core feature is permadeath, where characters can permanently die from injuries or infection, forcing players to switch to other survivors and adapt strategies without respawns. Survivor management involves recruiting community members encountered during outings, each with unique skills that progress through assigned tasks like scavenging or crafting, while maintaining via interpersonal relationships and base facilities. This system ties individual actions to collective well-being, as skilled survivors contribute to resource efficiency and defense, but low can lead to conflicts or desertions. Multiplayer has evolved from single-player campaigns in the original game to drop-in co-op supporting up to four players in the second installment, allowing friends to join sessions seamlessly for shared scavenging and combat. The third entry plans to expand this further with a persistent shared for four-player co-op, integrating community progression across sessions. Base building extends these mechanics by utilizing gathered resources to fortify communal strongholds.

Resource management and base building

In the State of Decay series, forms the economic backbone of , requiring players to scavenge limited supplies from zombie-overrun environments to maintain their community's health and functionality. The core resources—, , materials, and —are obtained primarily through exploration of infested locations such as homes, stores, and industrial sites, where abundance is offset by the constant threat of zombie encounters that demand careful . sustains survivor morale and prevents penalties, heals injuries and combats infections, materials enable structural repairs and expansions, and facilitates vehicle-based mobility for efficient gathering. This scarcity-driven system encourages strategic decisions, as overextending into high-risk areas can lead to character death or resource loss, emphasizing the trade-off between immediate gains and long-term . Base building mechanics allow to claim and customize home sites, transforming defensible locations into thriving enclaves that support community growth. select bases based on factors like slot availability for facilities and proximity to resource-rich zones, then invest to construct and upgrade specialized buildings. For instance, an infirmary facility provides automatic healing for injured and boosts overall health stats, while a improves detection of incoming threats and unlocks defensive perks like sniper support. These upgrades not only enhance abilities—such as increased or progression—but also generate passive benefits, like automated production from gardens or workshops. requires materials and the series' , a points-based system earned through missions and scavenging, which spend on claiming outposts or initiating builds to fortify their position. Community management integrates deeply with these systems, as serves as the primary currency for collective decisions, such as recruiting new survivors or resolving issues that arise from shortages. Players must balance expansion—adding facilities to improve efficiency—with defensive vulnerabilities, as growing communities attract larger sieges and internal infestations that consume resources if not addressed promptly. Outposts, established at key locations using , provide ongoing trickle without direct scavenging, such as fuel from gas stations, but require maintenance to prevent loss. This dynamic forces prioritization, where neglecting one aspect, like low food stocks leading to low , can cascade into reduced scavenging efficiency or abandonment. The progression loop reinforces these elements through cyclical routines that build community viability over time. Daily scavenging runs, often involving against to secure supplies, feed into crafting at base workshops to create or tools, while periodic defense events—such as repelling sieges—test and reward effective . Successful management leads to larger, more resilient groups with specialized roles, unlocking advanced facilities and abilities that mitigate risks, though mechanics ensure that poor decisions can reset progress and heighten the stakes of every outing. Scavenging integrates seamlessly with , as resource caches are frequently guarded by hostile , blending action with strategic economy.

Installments

State of Decay (2013)

State of Decay is a third-person survival developed by and published by Studios. It was initially released as a digital title for via on June 5, 2013. The game features an open-world environment set in a in the fictional Trumbull County, , where players manage a group of survivors. The main campaign, which focuses on scavenging, base building, and combating undead threats, typically takes about 15 hours to complete when prioritizing story objectives. Players begin with Marcus Campbell as the protagonist, soon recruiting Ed Jones and Maya Torres to form the initial survivor group. A key innovation in the game is the enclave system, which introduces (NPC) groups inhabiting various locations across the map. These enclaves interact with the player's community through radio calls, offering opportunities for alliances, trades, or conflicts, adding depth to the of . The mechanic, where characters can permanently die from injuries or , was first implemented here, heightening the stakes of decisions. The game launched exclusively on before receiving a PC port on on November 5, 2013. Post-launch, released the downloadable content () on November 29, 2013, which introduced an infinite mode with escalating difficulty levels, unlockable hero characters, and new weapons, while retaining the core map but altering behaviors and resource scarcity over episodes. This was followed by the Lifeline on February 25, 2014, for and May 21, 2014, for PC, featuring a new map centered on the town of , story missions from the perspective of a stranded unit, and enhanced defensive mechanics against sieges. In 2015, support for the original version concluded with the release of State of Decay: Year-One Survival Edition on April 28, serving as a remastered compilation for Xbox One and PC. This edition bundled the base game, Breakdown, and Lifeline content, along with graphical enhancements such as improved lighting, textures, and combat animations, running at 1080p resolution. The remaster also included stability fixes and minor balance adjustments derived from community feedback.

State of Decay 2 (2018)

State of Decay 2 was announced at as a to the original game, emphasizing multiplayer in a . Developed by and published by , it launched on May 22, 2018, for and PC, with for the Ultimate Edition starting four days prior. The game was built using 4, which enabled enhanced graphics, dynamic lighting, and smoother performance compared to the used in the first title. It was available day-one on , allowing subscribers immediate access without additional purchase. Key enhancements included seamless four-player online co-op, where up to three friends could join the host's campaign, Daybreak mode, or Heartland expansion for shared resource gathering and zombie combat. The game introduced multiple maps, such as the rural Cascade Hills with its farmland and lakes, expanding exploration beyond the original's single area. A new leader system allowed players to choose community roles like , which focused on combat prowess by unlocking facilities such as armories and attracting aggressive allies to dominate hostile enclaves. Base building saw refinements from the first game, with modular facilities that better integrated defenses and resource production for co-op play. Post-launch support featured expansions starting with the Independence Pack on June 28, 2018, which added patriotic-themed vehicles, incendiary weapons, and fireworks distractions to celebrate the game's three million milestone. The Juggernaut Edition, released on March 13, 2020, bundled all prior DLC—including the Daybreak Pack's horde defense mode and the campaign from June 9, 2019, which returned to the original's Trumbull Valley with narrative-driven missions and tougher plague variants—while introducing a new map, Ridge. Cross-play was enabled with this edition, supporting multiplayer across , Windows 10, Steam, and . Ongoing updates culminated in Update 38: Legacy Awaits on , 2024, the final major content patch, which unlocked all seasonal items like and for free, added quality-of-life features such as improved inventory management, and included bug fixes to ensure long-term stability. This update marked the end of active development as the studio shifted focus to future projects, leaving the game with over 38 patches since launch.

State of Decay 3 (TBA)

State of Decay 3 was revealed on July 23, 2020, at the Games Showcase, presented by as the next evolution in the franchise set years after a global apocalypse. The game is being developed exclusively for Series X/S and Windows PC, with a cinematic announcement trailer emphasizing themes of and escalating threats. Following the release of State of Decay 2's final content update, Update 38: Legacy Awaits, on October 22, 2024, fully shifted its development resources to State of Decay 3, marking the end of post-launch support for the 2018 title after six years and 38 free updates. As of November 2025, the game remains in active production without a confirmed release date, though reports indicate a target window of 2027. Microsoft's acquisition of in 2018 has enabled the expanded scope of the project, providing resources for advanced technical implementations. A new trailer debuted at the Games Showcase on June 9, 2024, showcasing in-engine footage of combat, exploration, and character interactions in a more decayed and infested world. Teased features highlight a deeper focus, with systems designed to emphasize emotional storytelling around community building, perseverance, and the consequences of . Advanced enhancements for and non-player characters aim to create more reactive and unpredictable behaviors, improving in scenarios. Multiplayer integration is set to evolve with seamless four-player co-op in a shared , building on shared save technology from previous titles like Grounded. The game utilizes Unreal Engine 5 for enhanced visuals, including visceral zombie dismemberment and customizable crafting options.

Reception and legacy

Critical and commercial reception

State of Decay (2013) received generally favorable reviews, earning a score of 78/100 based on 52 critic reviews. Critics praised its innovative approach to the genre, particularly the emergent storytelling and community management systems that created tense, player-driven narratives. However, it faced criticism for technical issues, including bugs, frame rate drops, and repetitive missions that hindered immersion. Commercially, the game performed strongly for an title, surpassing 2 million copies sold across and PC by October 2014. State of Decay 2 (2018) garnered mixed reviews, with a score of 66/100 from 70 critics. Reviewers lauded its expanded co-op multiplayer, which allowed seamless four-player sessions, and the increased depth in base building and survivor progression that enhanced replayability. Common faults included repetitive gameplay loops, launch bugs, and a lack of meaningful progression compared to the original. On the commercial front, the sequel benefited immensely from availability, reaching over 7 million players by March 2020 following the Juggernaut Edition update. By August 2021, it had exceeded 10 million players total, driven by ongoing free updates that sustained community engagement. Steam sales alone accounted for approximately 1.9 million units. The series' strong integration into the ecosystem via Game Pass has significantly boosted accessibility and long-term playtime. earned two nominations in 2019: the Award for its score by and a Geek d'Ouro for best game.

Cultural impact and cancelled projects

The State of Decay series has contributed to the evolution of the genre by integrating base-building mechanics with open-world exploration and community management, elements that emphasize long-term over linear combat narratives. Released in 2013, game introduced as a core feature, where individual survivor losses carry permanent consequences, heightening tension and encouraging strategic decision-making in resource-scarce environments. This approach drew from traditions but adapted them to a narrative-driven , influencing subsequent titles in the genre by demonstrating how could enhance emotional investment without relying solely on . The series' cultural footprint extends through Xbox ecosystem integrations and active fan engagement. In 2018, Microsoft promoted via bundled offers, such as including a free digital copy with X purchases from May 27 to June 2, to capitalize on its launch amid broader zombie media saturation. Additional tie-ins included the Independence Pack , released on June 28, 2018, featuring themed vehicles and weapons available for $4.99, free with the Ultimate Edition, or at a 10% discount for members. Fan communities have sustained interest through and events; media coverage post-2018 launch includes dedicated episodes on podcasts like The Blaise XPerience, which explored player perspectives on base management and co-op dynamics, and streaming series by creators such as Jay Talbot, who documented survival runs emphasizing modded lethal difficulty modes. Among cancelled projects, the series originated from an early massively multiplayer online () concept at , founded in 2009 by Jeff Strain with initial plans for a survival MMO that would allow persistent player communities in a shared . However, after developing a titled Class4, the studio shifted focus to single-player experiences, determining that the narrative depth and mechanics were better suited to offline play rather than multiplayer scalability challenges. Strain later stated on in 2016 that the MMO's abandonment allowed the team to leverage its strengths in emergent storytelling and base-building without the complexities of online infrastructure. This pivot directly shaped the 2013 release of State of Decay as a third-person title. As of 2025, the series maintains a vibrant through its enduring modding scene, particularly for , where tools like the Community Editor enable custom survivor traits, weapons, and facilities, fostering ongoing player creativity seven years post-launch. Microsoft's 2018 acquisition of has positioned the franchise for potential expansion, integrating it into ' portfolio alongside updates like the 2020 Juggernaut Edition, which refreshed content and supported mod compatibility to extend community longevity.

References

  1. [1]
    State of Decay - Zombie Survival Horror Games
    Nov 23, 2024 · No one survives alone. Play the top zombie horror survival video game series, State of Decay. Download today for PC & Xbox.
  2. [2]
    State of Decay on Steam
    Rating 4.5 (8,830) · 14-day returnsYou and the few scattered survivors must band together to survive and rebuild in a 3rd-person action game set in a dynamic open world.
  3. [3]
    State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition - Xbox
    Launching September 1, the Homecoming update is included with Juggernaut edition and adds plague territories and upgraded outposts to all core maps. Character ...Ways To Play · Game Features · Get The Game
  4. [4]
    State of Decay Guide - IGN
    State of Decay, formerly known as Class3, is an open-world zombie survival game developed by Undead Labs ... Platforms. June 5th, 2013 (XBLA) November 5th ...
  5. [5]
    State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 72% (47) Platforms: Xbox One; PC. Initial Release Date: Apr 28, 2015. Developer: Undead Labs. Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios. Genres: Survival · Full Credits & ...
  6. [6]
    State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition on Steam
    Developer. Undead Labs ; Publisher. Xbox Game Studios ; Released. Mar 13, 2020 ; OS: Windows 10 64-bit ; Processor: Intel i5-2500 @2.7Ghz / AMD FX-6300
  7. [7]
    State of Decay 2 Review Roundup - GameSpot
    May 18, 2018 · Game: State of Decay 2 ; Developer / Publisher: Undead Labs / Microsoft Studios ; Platforms: Xbox One, PC ; Release date: May 18 (Early access with ...
  8. [8]
    None
    Nothing is retrieved...<|separator|>
  9. [9]
    State of Decay 2 Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 66% (78) Platforms: Xbox One; PC. Initial Release Date: May 18, 2018. Developer: Undead Labs. Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios. Genres: Survival · Full Credits & ...
  10. [10]
    State of Decay: Year-One Survival Edition Builds a Bigger Zombie ...
    6–7 day deliveryJan 20, 2015 · State of Decay puts you in the center of a zombie apocalypse in Trumbull Valley. With an ever-growing band of survivors under your control, you ...
  11. [11]
    State of Decay 2 Returns to Trumbull Valley in the Homecoming ...
    Aug 24, 2021 · The original map of the first State of Decay game is coming to State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition as a fully remastered, open-world playable map.
  12. [12]
    State of Decay - Undead Labs
    State of Decay is a story of environmental transformation, revealing the ingenuity, adaptability, perseverance, and collectivism found within the survivors.<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Player Guide - State of Decay
    Welcome to State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition ; Zombie Types · Zeds · Ferals · Screamers ; Fortifying Your Home · Clearing and Claiming Your Base · Supply ...
  14. [14]
    Meet The Zombies - State of Decay 2
    Jun 21, 2021 · Zombies in State of Decay 2 come in several different flavors. Besides your classic brain-loving shufflers, you'll encounter gory and more dangerous plague ...
  15. [15]
    State of Decay: a life-or-permadeath fight for survival in a world of ...
    Sep 20, 2013 · State of Decay: a life-or-permadeath fight for survival in a world of zombies. Features. By Chris Schilling published September 20, 2013.
  16. [16]
    State of Decay 2 interview | How Undead Labs are shuffling away ...
    May 1, 2018 · We sat down with developer Undead Labs design director Richard Foge about how to stand out from the other zombie games.
  17. [17]
    How State of Decay 3's Newest Trailer Feeds into Undead Labs ...
    Jun 9, 2024 · How State of Decay 3's Newest Trailer Feeds into Undead Labs' Game Development Evolution ... hope, not despair. Yes, there are zombies you must ...
  18. [18]
    A Conversation with Ty Ferrell - State of Decay
    It's easy to fall into despair of hopelessness, but being able to look ... Undead Labs has done for me is the game changer! Tell us about your solo IP ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
    ArenaNet founder Jeff Strain opens new studio Undead Labs ...
    ArenaNet founder Jeff Strain opens new studio Undead Labs ... 23, 2009. Follow NCsoft. ArenaNet ... Strain founded Guild Wars developer ArenaNet with ...
  21. [21]
  22. [22]
    State of Decay's Dev Agrees to Multi-Year Deal With Microsoft
    Jan 11, 2014 · State of Decay's Dev Agrees to Multi-Year Deal With Microsoft. Undead Labs will develop multiple games as part of a new Microsoft Studios deal.Missing: 2010 | Show results with:2010
  23. [23]
    State of Decay dev signs multi-year, multi-title agreement ... - Polygon
    Jan 10, 2014 · Undead Labs has had another title in the conceptual phase, codenamed Class4, for some time. Class4 will be a "shared virtual world" that will be ...
  24. [24]
    E3 2018: Undead Labs Joining Microsoft Studios - Xbox Wire
    Jun 10, 2018 · At E3 2018, Phil Spencer announced Undead Labs joining Microsoft Studios, signaling a commitment to growing the State of Decay franchise.Missing: publishing | Show results with:publishing
  25. [25]
    Microsoft Investing in 'State of Decay' Studio Undead Labs - Variety
    Jun 10, 2018 · Microsoft has acquired “State of Decay” developer Undead Labs, it announced Sunday during its E3 2018 press conference. Undead Labs is one ...Missing: publishing | Show results with:publishing
  26. [26]
    E3 2018: Microsoft Acquires PlayGround Games, Undead Labs ...
    Jun 10, 2018 · Microsoft announced at E3 today that they have acquired Forza Horizon developer PlayGround Games, State of Decay developer Undead Labs, Hellblade: Senua's ...
  27. [27]
    State of Decay 3 trapped in pre-production as sexism and ...
    Apr 1, 2022 · Undead Labs has doubled in size since being acquired by Microsoft. However, the Xbox's first-party studio is now reportedly struggling with the ...Missing: growth | Show results with:growth<|control11|><|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Undead Labs joining Microsoft, but stays focused on zombies
    Sep 9, 2018 · Undead Labs joining Microsoft, but stays focused on zombies. Originally published September 9, 2018 at 5:00 pm.Missing: Arcade | Show results with:Arcade
  29. [29]
    State of Decay 2: A New Zombie Survival Fantasy Comes Alive in ...
    Jun 13, 2016 · As an Xbox Play Anywhere title, one purchase will get you both the Xbox One and Windows 10 PC versions of the game. And with Xbox Live and ...
  30. [30]
    An end to content updates for State of Decay 2
    You can expect a final content update for State of Decay 2 coming later this year. This final update, Update 38, aims to fix some longstanding issues, implement ...
  31. [31]
    State Of Decay 3 Has Gone Quiet, But Apparently It's Safe At Xbox
    Jul 3, 2025 · A game that's gone quiet since appearing at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024. Nevertheless, it sounds like the game is safe at Xbox Game Studios, at least for now.
  32. [32]
    Procedurally generating enemies, places, and loot in State of Decay 2
    Apr 15, 2018 · As with most of State of Decay 2, a lot of this behavior is emergent, because we model so many different parts of the post-apocalyptic world and ...
  33. [33]
    One Year Later: Talking State of Decay with Jeff Strain from Undead ...
    Jun 6, 2014 · To celebrate the big anniversary in the wake of the release of “Lifeline,” we recently sat down with Undead Labs founder Jeff Strain to discuss ...Missing: interview | Show results with:interview
  34. [34]
    E3 2017: Survival Through Scrounging in State of Decay 2 - Xbox Wire
    Jun 20, 2017 · Next year's State of Decay 2 will build on its predecessor's strong foundation, doubling down on those dynamic simulation elements and ...<|separator|>
  35. [35]
    Resource Bundles - State of Decay Guide - IGN
    Jun 23, 2013 · The different Resource Bundles include: Food; Medicine; Materials; Fuel; Ammo. Up Next: Weapons.Missing: core | Show results with:core
  36. [36]
  37. [37]
    Home Base and Outposts - State of Decay Guide - IGN
    Jun 5, 2013 · Players manage their Home Base via the journal. Here you can see the status of all community members, including their vitality, stamina, inventory, Skills, ...
  38. [38]
    State of Decay 2 base building, facilities, and upgrades explained
    May 20, 2018 · Get the lowdown on State of Decay 2's base building systems, with a breakdown of facilities, upgrades and more.
  39. [39]
    State of Decay: Year-One Survival Edition Is More Than ... - Xbox Wire
    Apr 27, 2015 · An Xbox One-enhanced remaster of 2013's cult-hit State of Decay, Year One-Survival Edition is a zombie survival fantasy game featuring varied ...
  40. [40]
    State of Decay - IGN
    Rating 8.9/10 · Review by IGNState of Decay. Initial Release. Jun 5, 2013. Platforms. PC Xbox 360. Genres. Action. State of Decay News. Latest · Videos · Articles · Gameplay · Trailers.
  41. [41]
    How long is State of Decay? - HowLongToBeat.com
    Main Story. 15½ Hours. Main + Sides. 22½ Hours. Completionist. 37 Hours ... When focusing on the main objectives, State of Decay is about 15½ Hours in length.
  42. [42]
    Marcus Campbell - State of Decay Guide - IGN
    Jun 5, 2013 · Marcus Campbell is the first Survivor players will begin with. He is the middle ground character with no downsides but no major bonuses besides his leadership.
  43. [43]
    State of Decay - Breakdown on Steam
    Rating 3.5 (143) Title: State of Decay - Breakdown ; Genre: Action, RPG, Simulation. Developer: Undead Labs. Publisher: Xbox Game Studios ; Release Date: Nov 29, 2013.
  44. [44]
    State of Decay: YOSE on Steam
    In stock Rating 3.5 (4,464) State of Decay: YOSE. Developer. Undead Labs ... State of Decay. Release Date: Apr 27, 2015. READ MORE. Is this game relevant to ...
  45. [45]
    State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition Release Date Announced
    Jan 20, 2015 · Microsoft and Undead Labs have announced that State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition will be available via disc or download on April 28 for $29.99.
  46. [46]
    Xbox Exclusive State of Decay 2 Releasing May 22 - Pre-orders ...
    Mar 6, 2018 · State of Decay 2 will launch on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Game Pass title on May 22, 2018.Missing: 2016 | Show results with:2016
  47. [47]
    State of Decay 2 – 15 Things You Absolutely Need To Know Before ...
    Apr 23, 2018 · While the first game was made on CryEngine 3.1, the upcoming sequel has ben built on Unreal Engine 4. The specific as to why exactly this was ...
  48. [48]
    State of Decay 2 Early Access Starts Today - Xbox Wire
    May 18, 2018 · On May 22, State of Decay 2 will also launch on Xbox Game Pass. While waiting for your download to activate today, we recommend: Reading our ...
  49. [49]
    Four-Player Co-op - Multiplayer - State of Decay 2
    Up to 3 friends can join you in the main campaign, in Daybreak, or in Heartland. Or, use the radio to find another player (or volunteer to help!)
  50. [50]
    Completing the Game - State of Decay
    To complete the game, build your community, defeat blood plague, and complete your leader's legacy tasks. You can then continue playing with the same community.Missing: themes moral
  51. [51]
    State of Decay 2 Celebrates 3 Million Players with Today's Release ...
    Jun 28, 2018 · The Independence Pack features three zombie-ready vehicles, access to a supply drop containing three new patriotic melee weapons, two unique ...
  52. [52]
    State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition Announced - Xbox Wire
    Feb 14, 2020 · Juggernaut Edition is also available for all Xbox Game Pass members, and launching for the first time on Steam with cross-network play across ...<|separator|>
  53. [53]
    State of Decay 2 appears on Steam, supports cross-play (update)
    Nov 22, 2019 · Microsoft confirmed to us that State of Decay 2 is coming to Steam in early 2020 and will support cross-play with Xbox One and Windows 10.
  54. [54]
    Update 38: Legacy Awaits - State of Decay
    some of it is free, some of it is in the world for you to discover ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  55. [55]
    State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition - Update 38 - Steam News
    So Long and Thanks for all the Brains! - In this update we are addressing long-standing issues, introducing various Quality of Life improvements, ...
  56. [56]
    State of Decay 3
    State of Decay 3. Undead Labs is proud to announce the next evolution in the State of Decay franchise. Watch the announcement trailer here.
  57. [57]
  58. [58]
    State of Decay 3 Report Gives Update on Missing Xbox Game and a ...
    Oct 10, 2025 · If State of Decay 3 isn't releasing until 2027, then it probably won't be at The Game Awards this December, nor the Xbox Developer_Direct in ...
  59. [59]
    State of Decay Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 78% (52) Platforms: Xbox 360; PC. Initial Release Date: Jun 5, 2013. Developer: Undead Labs. Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios. Genres: Survival · Full Credits & Details ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  60. [60]
    State of Decay critic reviews - Metacritic
    Undeniable technical difficulties aside, with a price tag of only 20 bucks nobody should miss out on State of Decay. It's easily one of the most complex and ...Missing: score | Show results with:score
  61. [61]
    State of Decay Surpasses 2 Million Copies Sold - IGN
    Oct 2, 2014 · The 2 million copies sold is for the original State of Decay for Steam and Xbox Live Arcade. State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition was ...Missing: figures | Show results with:figures
  62. [62]
    State of Decay 2 critic reviews - Metacritic
    State of Decay 2 greatly improves on the first game thanks to wider and more varied environments, great world simulation and character progression systems, ...Missing: score | Show results with:score
  63. [63]
    State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition Available Now - Xbox Wire
    Mar 13, 2020 · Over seven million State of Decay 2 players will enjoy State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition at release. State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition is ...Missing: count | Show results with:count
  64. [64]
    State of Decay 2 – Steam Stats – Video Game Insights - Sensor Tower
    90-day returnsDevelopers: Undead Labs ; Publishers: Xbox Game Studios ; Release Date: Mar 12, 2020 ; Current price: $29.99 ; Genre: Action.
  65. [65]
    Awards - State of Decay 2 (Video Game 2018) - IMDb
    2 nominations. Jerry Goldsmith Awards. Jesper Kyd. 2019 Nominee Jerry Goldsmith Award. Geeks d'Ouro. State of Decay 2 (2018). 2019 Nominee Geek d'Ouro.
  66. [66]
    Get State of Decay 2 or Red Dead Redemption with Your Purchase ...
    May 29, 2018 · From May 27 through June 2, you'll get a copy of State of Decay 2 with your Xbox One X purchase. And from June 3 through June 9, you'll get a copy of Red Dead ...
  67. [67]
    Merry Modding Days 2025 - Submissions Now Open
    Sep 23, 2025 · For anyone new to the event, Merry Modding Days is a community-driven advent calendar of mods, with new creations revealed every day from the ...
  68. [68]
    The Blaise XPerience A State of Decay 2 Podcast - Podbay
    The Blaise XPerience is a podcast that delves deeper into board games and video games by examining things from the players' point of view.
  69. [69]
    Surviving State of Decay 2 via Streaming and YouTube with Jay Talbot
    May 26, 2024 · Today I am talking with Jay Talbot who is a gaming youtuber and content creator, streamer, and Self Proclaimed Professional Gamer!Missing: 2018 | Show results with:2018
  70. [70]
    Inside The Microsoft Studio Behind State Of Decay 3 - Kotaku
    Mar 31, 2022 · ... leadership and individual contributor roles while I was at Undead Labs. ... Undead Labs and State of Decay 3 have finally turned a corner.
  71. [71]
    Why Undead Labs abandoned the State of Decay MMO
    Sep 26, 2016 · You know, Class4 was something that we wanted to do probably in Summer 2009. The initial plan was to build a smaller game with Class3, that game ...