Undead Labs, the development studio behind the successful Xbox Live Arcade title State of Decay, have signed a multi-year, multi-title contract exclusively with Microsoft Studios.

Undead Labs founder Jeff Strain announced the deal on the studios' website, but didn't offer any immediate details on what the contract means. Strain promises more news soon as the studio is currently keeping its head down working on prototypes. Strain also promises, "there are big things going on with State of Decay."

In the post Strain offered thanks to all of the fans who have been playing State of Decay since its release last summer:

And most of all, thanks to all of you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and enthusiasm for State of Decay. We know how far we’d have gotten if it hadn’t been for your spreading the word, and it definitely wouldn’t be here. You made this happen.



It’s been a long haul from the original vision to this point, and the road ahead of us will take years to travel. We hope you’re up for the trip, because we can’t do it without you.

State of Decay saw success immediately upon release selling more than 250,000 copies in 48 hours. In a few short months, the game hit the 1 million player mark. To read out State of Decay review, head here.

[Source: Undead Labs, via Polygon]

Our Take

After State of Decay's impressive rise, it's no surprise that Microsoft wants to keep Undead Labs close. I'm curious what other games the studio has up its sleeve, as it really seemed to go all in on State of Decay. It even gave the name of its studio a zombie-themed name. I wonder if it will continue with the undead theme, or surprise us with something from left field.