Undead Labs Goes Independent, State of Decay 3 Beta Sign-Ups Soon
Undead Labs has become employee-owned after a management buyout, and State of Decay 3 closed beta sign-ups will open soon on PC, with a full alpha planned for 2027.
Undead Labs has become an independent studio after a management buyout, disentangling itself from Xbox, according to an interview with studio head Philip Holt published by The Game Business.
Holt said the studio will be employee-owned, with stock to be issued to staff in the coming weeks. The acquisition vehicle created to buy the studio is called Full Measure.
Holt did not disclose how many people were laid off last month as part of the divestiture from Xbox. A proposed deal to sell Undead Labs to Splash Damage fell through.
On the game front, State of Decay 3 will begin sign-ups for a closed beta on PC soon. A full alpha test for State of Decay 3 is planned for 2027. Holt declined to name the new publisher for State of Decay 3.
Background
State of Decay 3 was first revealed during E3 2020 with a cinematic teaser. In October 2026, a tweet indicated a beta would be announced soon, first wave PC only.
Quick answers
When is the State of Decay 3 closed beta?
Sign-ups for the closed beta on PC will open soon, according to studio head Philip Holt. A full alpha test is planned for 2027.
Who is publishing State of Decay 3 now that Undead Labs is independent?
Holt declined to name the new publisher.
What is Full Measure?
Full Measure is the acquisition vehicle created to buy Undead Labs in the management buyout.