Undead Labs, the game development studio that brought us the State of Decay series, has recently shared significant updates on its growth and upcoming projects. Based in downtown Seattle, Washington, the studio has affirmed its commitment to its next big release, State of Decay 3, by doubling its development team and updating its corporate logo.
Founded in 2009, Undead Labs first entered the gaming scene with the original State of Decay game, which launched on the Xbox 360 in 2013. During this period, the studio was relatively small, consisting of perhaps only 20 individuals. This number saw a gradual increase leading up to the launch of State of Decay 2 in 2018, which was released on Xbox One, Windows, and through the Game Pass service when the team had grown to between 60 and 65 members.
Fast forward to the present, and the studio has seen a considerable expansion, now boasting at least 120 to 130 developers, according to estimates by Gamesradar. This growth is a direct reflection of the studio's integration within the larger framework of Microsoft's first-party organizations, positioning it within one of the world's most sizable content-producing entities. As studio head Philip Holt notes, being part of such an extensive network propels them on a clear path towards the development of their next major title, State of Decay 3.
The objective shift and scaling of personnel come at a time when the studio wraps up its commitments to State of Decay 2, allowing it to transfer its full focus and resources towards the next installment in the series. This transition is not just a numerical increase in manpower but also represents a strategic pivot aimed at enhancing the quality and scope of their next project.
Undead Labs has also used this opportunity to reveal a new company logo, symbolizing their entrance into a "new era" of growth and creativity. This change probably reflects a refreshed corporate identity and vision as the company embraces its role under the Microsoft umbrella and prepares to tackle more ambitious projects.
Accompanying its headquarters in Seattle, the expanded Undead Labs operates additional satellite studios in Champaign, Illinois, and Orlando, Florida. These additional locations underscore the studio’s expansive reach and its capability to attract talent from across the United States to contribute to its development projects.
This all comes in an exciting phase for fans of the State of Decay series and the gaming community at large. With a larger, more robust development team, expectations are high for State of Decay 3. The involvement of a significant player like Microsoft hints at the potential for cutting-edge technology and resources, projecting the upcoming game to possibly set new standards in the survival horror genre.
As anticipation builds, the gaming community is eager to catch more glimpses of State of Decay 3 and to see how the expanded capabilities of Undead Labs will translate into their next gaming experience. With a proven track record and an enriched development environment, the next installment of the State of Decay series promises to be an engaging and finely crafted entry into the beloved franchise.
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