In recent developments, Undead Labs, the studio known for the popular zombie survival game series State of Decay, has launched what they are calling a ‘new era’ for their brand. This shift includes a complete makeover of its logo and an update to their website, indicating a strategic redirection in the studio’s focus and identity.
Previously, the studio’s logo and branding were heavily influenced by their flagship product, State of Decay, which is centered around surviving in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested world. The essence of the game was encapsulated in the studio’s branding, which was narrowly focused on the theme of zombies. However, looking to expand their creative scope, the team at Undead Labs decided it was time for a change. By adopting a new logo that includes symbols like an hourglass and a skeleton key surrounded by an air of mystery, they aim to evoke a broader concept of timeless adventure and unlocking new potentials.
This rebranding effort has been undertaken with the help of '51 eggs', a brand development company, to fully realize their vision. Philip Holt, the studio head, articulated the need for change. He explained that as the ambitions for State of Decay 3 grew, it became clear that the studio’s outward image needed to reflect their expanding horizons and increased level of ambition. They needed a brand identity that could encompass not just the existing game developments but also provide room to explore new creative territories.
Wayne Laybourn, the Studio Art Director, commented on the update, noting that this change ‘opens up’ new possibilities for the studio, not just in terms of what they are currently working on but also where they could venture in the future. This new aesthetic and philosophical direction is perfectly encapsulated in their chosen motto: "We brave the darkness to discover our light... thus we are undead", which underscores a theme of exploration and discovery, even beyond the realms of their previous gaming narratives.
Amid these exciting changes, Undead Labs remains fully committed to the State of Decay series. Recently, they shifted all their focus and resources to the upcoming State of Decay 3, signaling serious commitment and high expectations for the next installment in the series. Following this announcement, they released what they called the final major update for State of Decay 2, pinpointing a conclusive end to their enhancements on the current installment to pave the way for the new advancements.
The unveiling of this new era for Undead Labs seems to be a strategic shift to not only elevate the game’s development to new heights but also potentially venture into new gaming projects in the future. Meanwhile, the gaming community is abuzz with excitement and speculation on what these future projects might entail.
Adding to the digital excitement, here is a YouTube video that visually captures the essence of this transformative phase at Undead Labs:
