Undead Labs Becomes Independent Studio After Separating from Xbox
Undead Labs, known for developing State of Decay 3, has officially separated from Microsoft's Xbox division to become an independent employee-owned studio. This move follows similar separations by Double Fine and Compulsion Games earlier this year. Despite the change in ownership structure, development on State of Decay 3 continues as planned with a release expected in 2027 across multiple platforms including Xbox, PC, and PlayStation. The separation is part of broader restructuring efforts at Microsoft's gaming division amid recent layoffs and studio changes. While Undead Labs successfully transitioned to independence, other studios like Ninja Theory may not have the same outcome. The shift highlights a trend in the industry where developers seek autonomy while maintaining their game development commitments.
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Topics: Gaming Layoffs Microsoft Studio Independence Xbox