State of Decay 3 Developer Undead Labs Reportedly at Risk of Closure Ahead of Expected Xbox Layoffs

New reports claim Undead Labs could face closure alongside several Xbox studios as Microsoft prepares another round of gaming division restructuring.

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Reports claim State of Decay 3 developer Undead Labs could be affected by Microsoft's expected Xbox restructuring (Image via Undead Labs)

Fresh reports suggest Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay 3, could be among the developers affected by Microsoft’s anticipated Xbox layoffs. While Microsoft has not officially confirmed any studio closures, multiple reports indicate the company is preparing a major restructuring of its gaming business.

Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that Xbox was planning significant job cuts as part of a broader organizational reset under Xbox president Asha Sharma. New reporting from GamesBeat now claims Undead Labs has joined Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory as studios that could reportedly face closure if buyers cannot be found. 

State of Decay 3’s future remains uncertain

A still from State of Decay 3 (Image via Undead Labs)

The reported situation is especially notable because Undead Labs recently showcased State of Decay 3 during the Xbox Games Showcase. The zombie survival title is currently targeting a 2027 release, and some players are already participating in early alpha testing.

Although development appears to be progressing, GamesBeat claims the project could be at risk if the studio is ultimately shut down. Neither Microsoft nor Undead Labs has commented publicly on the report.

According to GamesBeat, the restructuring may extend beyond individual studios, with divisions including Blizzard Entertainment and Bethesda Softworks also expected to experience workforce reductions.

Adding to the speculation, George Broussard, co-founder of 3D Realms, said on social media that he had seen a list of potential studio closures before the expected layoffs. However, he also cautioned readers to “treat as rumor pending official confirmation.”

At the time of writing, Microsoft has not announced any layoffs or studio closures. Until the company makes an official statement, reports about Undead Labs and other Xbox studios remain unconfirmed.

Verified since 2022 Senior Content Writer

Mohsin Nakade is a Mumbai-based Senior Content Writer at OtakuKart specializing in anime, movies, and TV series coverage with a strong focus on storytelling-driven analysis. His work spans news, features, explainers, and theory-based articles, with a particular passion for the sci-fi and fantasy genres. Beyond writing, he aspires to grow into scriptwriting and film direction.

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