Why SotD 3 gets Game Pass even without Xbox
The game world is always shifting, and sometimes the biggest changes happen behind the scenes. For the developers of State of Decay 3, that shift involves a major corporate pivot, but the commitment to their creations remains firmly rooted in the future of gaming.
Undead Labs, the creative force behind the acclaimed title, has officially carved out its independence from Xbox Game Studios. This transition marks a significant moment for the team, allowing them to steer their creative destiny as an independent entity.
But while the studio structure is evolving, the focus remains on the game itself. It’s a testament to the developers’ philosophy that, as one of the team’s mottos suggests, “Of the players we capture, we capture for a long time.”
Despite this new independent footing, the excitement for State of Decay 3 is only growing. The game is set to launch into Xbox Game Pass as a “day one” title in 2027, bringing the post-apocalyptic survival experience to a massive audience.
The question naturally arose: why, amid this studio change, is the team still keen on partnering with Xbox? To address this, studio boss Philip Holt recently sat down with reporters to explain the reasoning behind the decision to release the game on Xbox’s service.
The discussion highlighted a blend of creative vision and commercial opportunity, underscoring the strong bond between the developers and the platform they are bringing their world to. It’s clear that even as the corporate landscape changes, the heart of the game and its ambitious release strategy remain central to Undead Labs’ goals.