Update: Microsoft has released a statement on this matter, clarifying that Jeff Strain's initiative isn't directly affiliated with Xbox Games Studios. That being said, they still approve of it:

"Jeff’s vision to increase access and expand opportunities for game development jobs and skills is an independent project. While not directly affiliated, Xbox Game Studios shares his vision for empowerment through games and are eager to support him in his efforts."

Undead Labs was acquired by Microsoft in 2018 shortly after the release of State of Decay 2. Outside of the occasional major update, the studio has been fairly quiet post-acquisition until now. While Undead Labs is based in Seattle, they are opening up a new studio in New Orleans soon. In fact, this new studio is going to be headed up by Jeff Strain, the founder of the company.

"As anyone who has played State of Decay knows, big ideas don’t always come from the biggest cities or the flashiest neighborhoods. Sometimes the heroes come from places like Marshall or Spencer’s Mill," Undead Labs' post begins. "That’s why game development needs a bigger base, where the know-how, grit, and ideas of even more people can find their way to the public. As a small-town guy himself, Jeff is dedicated to opening a new studio and a partnered broad-discipline game development academy in New Orleans, Louisiana."

It is worth noting that inXile Entertainment, another studio recently acquired by Microsoft, also has a studio in New Orleans. "With the support of Xbox and Microsoft, Jeff’s going to continue in his role as studio head at Undead Labs while also building opportunities to bring in people who might not otherwise consider a career in the game industry." Unfortunately, that is really all the developer could say about their new studio at this time, though they promised to "share more information as soon as we can." That being said, the post does also say that "Maybe even someone with the vision for the next State of Decay is out there just waiting for the right opportunity," all but confirming that another State of Decay game is in the pipeline.

You can check Undead Labs' livestream for their game's latest update below. State of Decay 2 is currently available for PC and Xbox One and is available on Amazon.