Much like the game’s zombies, State of Decay 3 is somehow still alive
Amid Microsoft's hacking and slashing of its Xbox division , you wouldn't be crazy for thinking State of Decay 3 was dead. After all, the title was announced nearly six years ago , and, well, we haven't heard much since. But the survival game is still in the pipeline, and developer Undead Labs will hold a series of playtests beginning in May. In the announcement, franchise co-creator Brant Fitzgerald emphasized the role of community input in the game's continued development. "We've read your feedback on Discord, we've watched your gameplay clips and livestreams on YouTube," he said. "It became clear that community is survival — and that we need your help." The Alpha playtests will include four-player co-op, new base building and resource strategies and plenty of combat. "If scavenging supplies in the middle of a zombie outbreak sounds fun to you, then grab your ruck, pack some mags and head over to our website to find more information and register for a chance to be included in the Alpha," Fitzgerald said. Assuming it eventually launches, State of Decay 3 will be available for Xbox and PC . You can sign up for the playtest on the game's website . Undead Labs warned that not everyone will be selected for the first round, but they'll keep your names on the list for future opportunities later this year. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/xbox/much-like-the-games-zombies-state-of-decay-3-is-somehow-still-alive-170709155.html?src=rss
In a world where many games are announced and then quietly buried, State of Decay 3 has managed to cling to life, much like the undead it features. Despite Microsoft's significant restructuring of its Xbox division, which has led many to question the future of the game, developer Undead Labs has announced that the survival title is still very much in development. The game, which was first teased nearly six years ago, has been shrouded in silence, but now players have a chance to get involved in its evolution through a series of Alpha playtests set to begin in May.
Franchise co-creator Brant Fitzgerald has highlighted the importance of community input in the game's continued development. "We've read your feedback on Discord, we've watched your gameplay clips and livestreams on YouTube," he said. "It became clear that community is survival — and that we need your help." This emphasis on community engagement reflects a shift in how games are developed, where direct interaction with players becomes a crucial factor in shaping the final product.
The Alpha playtests will offer players a glimpse into the game's future, featuring four-player co-op, new base building and resource strategies, and plenty of combat. Fitzgerald encouraged potential participants to sign up, likening the experience to scavenging supplies in the midst of a zombie outbreak. "If scavenging supplies in the middle of a zombie outbreak sounds fun to you, then grab your ruck, pack some mags and head over to our website to find more information and register for a chance to be included in the Alpha," he said.
Assuming State of Decay 3 eventually launches, it will be available on both Xbox and PC platforms. Undead Labs warned that not everyone will be selected for the first round of playtests, but they will keep names on the list for future opportunities later this year. This approach ensures that the development team can gather diverse feedback while maintaining an inclusive process for those eager to contribute.
The survival game genre has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with some titles fading into obscurity while others endure. State of Decay 3's resilience, despite the challenges faced by its parent company, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre and the power of community involvement in game development. As players gear up for the Alpha playtests, the future of the game remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the undead are far from dead, and the community's role in its survival is more vital than ever.
