PUBG STUDIOS ended development of PUBG: Black Budget on October 1, 2026, after two closed alpha tests and no full release. The studio says it will carry what it learned from the project into its next project.
PUBG STUDIOS spent 2026 testing an extraction shooter it did not ship. PUBG: Black Budget was announced in November, ran a first closed alpha in December, and ran a second closed alpha from June 26 to 29. The June test put the game on Coli Island, a 2.5km by 2.5km map with anomalous creatures and a hardcore sci-fi atmosphere. The design moved away from the battle royale formula, keeping zone shrinkage while adding pre-raid equipment preparation, PvPvE combat, and a reload system that requires loaded magazines.
On October 1, 2026, KRAFTON ended development of PUBG: Black Budget. The studio reviewed the project's development status and future direction and concluded that under the current direction it could not deliver an experience players would enjoy over the long term. The game had run its two closed alpha tests without reaching release. KRAFTON thanked the players who joined the tests and sent feedback.
The cancellation is the second PUBG side project to end without a full release. PUBG: BLINDSPOT left early access and shut down on March 30. PUBG STUDIOS said it will carry what it learned from development and testing into its next project and keep exploring new gameplay experiences. In the same franchise, KRAFTON announced PUBG: DED.NET at gamescom Opening Night Live 2026.
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Oct 3
KRAFTON's PUBG STUDIOS ended development of PUBG: Black Budget on October 1, 2026. The PvPvE extraction shooter had run two closed alpha tests, one in December after a November announcement, and a second this June, without reaching release. The studio reviewed the project's development status and future direction and concluded that under the current direction it could not deliver an experience players would enjoy over the long term. The game put up to 45 players into three-person squads on a 2.5km by 2.5km island, with matches capped at 30 minutes and three factions handing out contracts. KRAFTON thanked the players who joined the tests and sent feedback. PUBG STUDIOS said it will carry what it learned from development and testing into its next project and keep exploring new gameplay experiences. In the same franchise, KRAFTON announced PUBG: DED.NET at gamescom Opening Night Live 2026.
Jul 13
KRAFTON's PUBG STUDIOS held the second closed alpha test of PUBG: Black Budget from June 26 to 29, 2026. The extraction shooter is set on Coli Island, a 2.5km x 2.5km map with anomalous creatures and a hardcore sci-fi atmosphere. Unlike PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, players prepare equipment before raids, and the game features PvPvE combat, zone shrinkage, and a reload system requiring loaded magazines. The alpha test offered a glimpse of a grounded, dark world compared to Crysis.