Kid finds his deceased father as a survivor in Xbox Game Studios’ popular zombie apocalypse survival game, State of Decay 2.
In a heartwarming testament to community and resilience, Undead Labs, the developers behind the State of Decay series, have immortalized a player’s late father as a permanent NPC in their game. This act of comion and community spirit highlights how video games can transcend entertainment, becoming a medium for personal connections and tributes.
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The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 unveiled an exciting teaser for State of Decay 3, captivating fans with a vivid portrayal of survival, community, and memory. The trailer highlighted the series’ enduring themes of hope and perseverance amidst the zombie apocalypse. Players prepare to battle evolving threats and rebuild their communities, with the teaser emphasizing salvaging keepsakes from fallen survivors and honoring their memories, echoing the game’s deeper narrative of collective resilience and tribute.
A poignant story emerged on Reddit, shared by EmbarassedBudget859, who discovered that Undead Labs had honored their request to include their late father in State of Decay 2. The thread, titled “My dad died 3 years ago. I found him in the game,” recounts an emotional moment where the stumbled upon an NPC that not only bore their father’s name but also his traits and characteristics.
“So, my dad died a few years ago and I am one of the many who are obsessed with this game. So… I sent the devs a message asking them to put him in the game. And they did what they could, which means just adding his name to random survivors. 3 years later I found HIM! Not just his name, but his traits, everything about him! This will forever be my favorite community. Sorry the photo is trash but I am still in shock. These devs need more recognition.”

The heartfelt message underscores the powerful impact that video games can have, creating lasting memories and connections. The shaky photo accompanying the post reflects the raw emotion and trembling hands of a player overwhelmed by the unexpected encounter with their father’s digital likeness.
State of Decay has always been more than just a survival game. It’s a narrative of community, where each player’s journey is shaped by the people they meet and the memories they create. The inclusion of real-life tributes, like that of EmbarassedBudget859’s father, enriches the game’s emotional landscape, making each playthrough a personal and unique experience.
Undead Labs has consistently fostered a strong, engaged community. The developers’ willingness to incorporate personal stories and honor requests from their player base is a testament to their commitment to their fans. This sense of community is what makes State of Decay stand out in the crowded genre of zombie survival games.

The anticipation for State of Decay 3 is palpable. The latest trailer promises an evolution of the series with a more expansive and immersive world. Players can expect refined cooperative gameplay, enhanced graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, and a shared world experience that pushes the boundaries of multiplayer interactions. The new installment will continue to emphasize themes of survival, community, and memory, building on the strong foundation laid by its predecessors.
The release date for State of Decay 3 has not been confirmed yet, but the development team’s vision and the community’s enthusiasm suggest that it will be a Xbox Game .
The story of EmbarassedBudget859’s father in State of Decay 2 highlights the profound connections that can be forged through gaming. As we look forward to the release of State of Decay 3, it’s clear that Undead Labs’ dedication to their community and their commitment to honoring personal stories will continue to be a cornerstone of their success.