Krafton's upcoming title, PUBG Ded.Net, is set to explore a new direction for the battle royale genre, blending the core survival mechanics of Player Unknown's Battlegrounds with a pulpy, hyperviolent gameshow aesthetic and roguelite progression systems. Creative director Dave Curd described the game as an evolution of the battle royale formula, aiming to address player frustration and introduce novel gameplay experiences.
Ded.Net maintains the fundamental third-person shooter experience of its predecessor, where players are dropped into a shrinking map and must fight to be the last one standing. However, the game frames this struggle within the context of a violent, 1990s-inspired gameshow. The most significant departure from traditional battle royales lies in its roguelite elements. After each match, players are presented with upgrade choices, and the consequences of these choices—both positive and negative—can carry over into subsequent games.
This persistent progression aims to mitigate the sting of defeat, a common issue in battle royales. "You never want to go out on a loss," Curd explained, "but after two or three losses, you're like, all right boys, it's time to go to bed. In Ded.Net, you can still get wrecked but then, in the out-of-game, it's like 'oh my God the akimbo ability came up. I can finally dual-wield those shotguns, maybe I can play one more match'." The intention is to keep players engaged by chasing the fantasy of powerful, unique builds, even after a loss.
Curd also highlighted the importance of creating memorable moments, a hallmark of the original PUBG. Ded.Net seeks to enhance this by introducing outlandish upgrades that significantly alter gameplay. For instance, players might gain the ability to replace their arms with giant blades, foregoing firearms for melee combat, or transform into a porcelain doll that can attach to allies or enemies, stealing items upon a successful kill. These abilities are designed to be strategically impactful rather than mere stat boosts, encouraging players to experiment and embrace the game's chaotic possibilities.
"We're in the entertainment business," Curd stated. "If you're not smiling, I'm f****** up." The development process prioritizes elements that are funny, intriguing, and memorable, leading to a game that embraces its pulpy, ultra-violent identity. Beyond character transformations, players can also hack in-game objects, such as turning trucks into explodable traps, and the game even features a seatbelt system for vehicle occupants.
Curd acknowledged the maturity of the battle royale genre but sees this as an opportunity for innovation. "It's mature," he said. "The big boys have found their lane. But that's an opportunity. It's evolve or die out here, and I'd like to keep pushing it." The team at PUBG Madison is focused on making bold choices and creating a memorable experience, rather than fixating on numbers, aiming to build something that fans will appreciate.
This interview was conducted at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, with Krafton covering flights and accommodation.