State of Decay 3's 2020 trailer was just a concept, studio head confirms
Studio head Philip Holt reveals the 2020 Xbox Showcase trailer was made by just 4-5 people when the game existed only as a Word document. Alpha testing starts May with real gameplay finally coming together.
State of Decay 3's 2020 reveal trailer was purely conceptual, created when the game existed only 'in a Word document', according to Undead Labs studio head Philip Holt. As reported by Video Games Chronicle, Holt confirmed on the Sunny Games podcast that the pre-rendered trailer by Blur was made with a team of just four or five people exploring early concepts.
Key Takeaways
- The State of Decay 3 2020 reveal trailer was a pre-rendered concept by Blur when only 4-5 people were working on the game.
- Studio head Philip Holt confirmed zombie deer from the trailer won't appear in the final game.
- Alpha playtests for State of Decay 3 begin in May 2026 with four-player co-op.
- The game was 'in a Word document' with no actual development when the 2020 trailer was created.
- State of Decay 3 may appear at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7, 2026.
What the 2020 trailer actually represented
When asked about the zombie deer featured in the 2020 Xbox Showcase trailer, Holt was clear: they won't be in the final game. 'No zombie deer. That trailer in 2020, there really wasn't a game, or a game team, when we were working on that trailer. It was so early, you know, and I think there wasn't even a team. I mean, there was like four or five people. The game was in a Word document, there was really like the very beginnings of software.'
The trailer served as proof of concept rather than actual gameplay footage. 'The trailer was done by Blur, it was all pre-rendered. It represented, I think, a concept – our thoughts at the time of what might be cool to explore in State of Decay 3,' Holt explained. Some elements from the trailer will remain in the final game, but zombie animals are definitively out.
Alpha playtests begin in May
Undead Labs recently announced that State of Decay 3 alpha playtests will begin in May, promising 'four-player co-op, some new base building and resource strategics, and a whole lot of combat'. Series co-creator Brant Fitzgerald revealed that whilst most of the team has been updating State of Decay 2, others have been 'creating cool shit for State of Decay 3'.
The timing is significant given the Xbox Games Showcase takes place on June 7. With alpha testing starting a month before the showcase, State of Decay 3 seems likely to appear in some form during the presentation.
Community feedback shaping development
Undead Labs has been closely monitoring State of Decay 2 player feedback to inform the sequel's development. 'We've been keeping a close eye on what you liked about State of Decay 2 and what you didn't. We've read your feedback on Discord. We've watched your gameplay clips and live streams on YouTube,' Fitzgerald said in the announcement video.
The developer emphasised the importance of community involvement: 'Through it all we've seen how powerful and tight-knit this community is. It became clear that community is survival and that we need your help.' This community-driven approach suggests State of Decay 3 will address specific pain points from its predecessor.
What this means for State of Decay 3 development
Holt's transparency about the 2020 trailer reflects a broader industry trend of managing expectations around early game reveals. The admission that State of Decay 3 development began after the trailer's release suggests a more grounded approach to the sequel's production timeline.
For UAE gamers anticipating the title, this context explains why concrete details about State of Decay 3 have been limited since the original announcement. The upcoming alpha tests should provide the first genuine gameplay insights, potentially leading to more substantial reveals at Microsoft's summer showcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was State of Decay 3 announced?
State of Decay 3 was announced with a trailer in July 2020 during an Xbox Games Showcase, though the trailer was purely conceptual.
Was the State of Decay 3 2020 trailer actual gameplay?
No, Undead Labs studio head Philip Holt confirmed it was a pre-rendered concept trailer by Blur, created when the game was only in a Word document.
Will zombie animals be in State of Decay 3?
No, Philip Holt stated that elements like the zombie deer from the concept trailer will not be in the final game.
When do State of Decay 3 alpha playtests start?
Alpha playtests for State of Decay 3 are scheduled to begin in May 2026, featuring four-player co-op and new base building mechanics.
Will State of Decay 3 appear at Xbox Games Showcase 2026?
While not confirmed, the timing of May alpha tests suggests State of Decay 3 could appear at the June 7 Xbox Games Showcase.
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