Much like the game’s zombies, State of Decay 3 is somehow still alive

Amid Microsoft’s hacking and slashing of its Xbox division, you wouldn’t be crazy for thinking State of Decay 3 was dead. After all, the title was announced nearly six years ago, and, well, we haven’t heard much since. But the survival game is still in the pipeline, and developer Undead Labs will hold a series of playtests beginning in May.

In the announcement, franchise co-creator Brant Fitzgerald emphasized the role of community input in the game’s continued development. “We’ve read your feedback on Discord, we’ve watched your gameplay clips and livestreams on YouTube,” he said. “It became clear that community is survival — and that we need your help.”

The Alpha playtests will include four-player co-op, new base building and resource strategies and plenty of combat. “If scavenging supplies in the middle of a zombie outbreak sounds fun to you, then grab your ruck, pack some mags and head over to our website to find more information and register for a chance to be included in the Alpha,” Fitzgerald said.

Assuming it eventually launches, State of Decay 3 will be available for Xbox and PC. You can sign up for the playtest on the game’s website. Undead Labs warned that not everyone will be selected for the first round, but they’ll keep your names on the list for future opportunities later this year.