By KEVIN HOOVER

Following an accidental leak by Undead Labs just a day earlier, Microsoft unveiled a new cinematic trailer for their zombie infested base builder STATE OF DECAY 3 as part of Summer Game Fest ’24. The game comes as no real surprise; gamers have been aware of its existence dating back to 2020, but this new trailer is the first appearance the title has made since then.

While specific gameplay details remain unknown at the moment, players should expect all the same features that made the first two games critical and commercial successes: finding and establishing outposts, scavenging for resources and building crucial relationships with other players and NPCs, all the while trying to stay out of the gaping maws of the walking dead. And, based upon a poignant closing shot from the trailer, it looks as if permadeath is making a return.

Although STATE OF DECAY 3’s exact release date is still shrouded in mystery, Microsoft has confirmed it will land on Game Pass day one.