No Zombie Animals
Fans hoping to encounter zombie deer in State of Decay 3 may need to rethink their expectations. Undead Labs studio head Philip Holt recently confirmed, "We're not doing zombie animals." This statement comes as a disappointment to some who were drawn in by the surreal imagery from the game's 2020 reveal trailer, which featured a CGI deer that sparked considerable speculation.
Holt explained that the trailer was created during a time when the game was still just a concept, saying, "There really wasn't a game or a game team when we were working on that trailer." At that point, only a small group of four or five people were involved, and the game itself existed primarily as an idea documented in a word file.
A significant six years later, the team has a playable build of the game, and while the absence of zombie animals might feel like a letdown, Holt assured fans that the game is evolving in other exciting ways. Set years after the initial outbreak, players won't be scavenging for simple supplies like canned goods and ammo. Instead, they'll search for materials that allow them to craft weapons and improvised devices.
This crafting mechanic appears to build on the systems established in previous State of Decay games, where players found ready-to-use weapons. In this iteration, players will need to gather components to create their own gear, potentially leading to a more engaging survival experience.
Holt emphasized the studio's focus on "maker culture" and creativity, highlighting the detail involved in crafting. He shared an interesting anecdote about a concept artist researching how to convert everyday items, like a tea kettle, into effective zombie-attracting bombs. "I'm just fearful that the Department of Homeland Security is going to break down our door at some point because we're looking for how to build these bombs," he joked.
Although some fans may have hoped for more groundbreaking changes in gameplay, Holt's insights indicate that State of Decay 3 is committed to a detailed approach to crafting and survival mechanics. With the alpha version set to release later this year, there's still hope that more ambitious features may be unveiled, providing a fresh experience for returning players.
