State of Decay has always offered a unique zombie survival experience. Undead Labs created a series that combines humor and horror as players navigate through open world environments teeming with zombies and unpredictable survivors. In addition to fending off hordes of zombies, players must scavenge for resources and seek shelter in a post-apocalyptic world. The game emphasizes the impact of the end of the world on human behavior, showcasing how people change in desperate situations.
Although the 2018 sequel to State of Decay initially faced issues with bugs and flaws, it has since evolved into a popular and engaging game. The success of the sequel prompted the announcement of a follow-up in 2020. However, updates about the sequel were scarce until a recent Alpha playtest was announced.
Surprisingly, it was revealed that when the CG trailer for State of Decay 3 was showcased at the Xbox Showcase in 2020, the game did not actually exist. The trailer was created to generate excitement and attract talent rather than depict the actual gameplay. According to studio head Philip Holt, at the time of the trailer’s release, the game only existed as a concept in a Word document, with the team consisting of just a few individuals. The trailer, crafted by Blur, was purely pre-rendered and represented the team’s early ideas for State of Decay 3. As we have had the opportunity to assemble a team and start working on the game, some of those elements are likely to remain in the game we deliver, while others, such as zombie animals, will not be included.
The zombified deer and other wildlife horrors featured in the reveal trailer were prominent focal points, so it may come as a surprise that zombie animals will not be a part of State of Decay 3. Many players were anticipating a new layer of threat with infected wildlife hunting down the player, adding more intensity to the gameplay experience. The trailer portrayed potential concepts for the game rather than an accurate representation of the final product, so it’s best to disregard it as it heavily focuses on flesh-eating animals.
While it is disappointing that zombie animals will not be included, it is commendable that Undead Labs has been transparent about the trailer’s concept and intentions. The silence following the trailer may not have been the best approach, but it is clear that the team is committed to delivering a game that meets players’ expectations.
