PUBG Enters Extraction Shooter Arena with ‘Black Budget’
Krafton’s PUBG Studios is set to launch a new extraction shooter, codenamed ‘Black Budget,’ with its first Steam-exclusive playtest scheduled for December. This move pits PUBG directly against the burgeoning extraction shooter market, heavily influenced by titles like Arc Raiders and the evergreen Escape From Tarkov.
- New Genre Entry: PUBG Studios is developing an extraction shooter.
- Playtest Imminent: A Steam playtest begins in December.
- Market Competition: Directly challenges Arc Raiders and Escape From Tarkov.
- Platform Focus: Currently slated as a Steam exclusive.
The Extraction Shooter Boom
Extraction shooters have seen a significant surge in popularity. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark Studios, has garnered substantial attention on Steam, with its unique blend of PvE and PvP combat. Meanwhile, Battlestate Games’ Escape From Tarkov, a long-standing titan in the genre, recently expanded its reach by launching on Steam, indicating continued developer confidence in the format.
PUBG’s foray into this genre suggests a strategic diversification beyond its traditional battle royale roots. ‘Black Budget’ aims to capture players seeking high-stakes, loot-focused gameplay loops where survival and successful extractions are paramount.
Why This Matters
Krafton’s decision to enter the extraction shooter space is a bold one. The genre is notoriously difficult to break into, demanding intricate balancing, compelling progression systems, and robust anti-cheat measures. While PUBG has a massive existing player base, translating that success into a fundamentally different genre will be a significant challenge.
The success of ‘Black Budget’ could signal a new direction for the PUBG franchise, moving beyond the pure battle royale formula. It also highlights the growing trend of established publishers seeking to capitalize on emerging or increasingly popular game genres. Players looking for a new extraction experience will have a high-profile option to try very soon.
This article was based on reporting from Polygon. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage. Read the full story at Polygon
