Brendan Greene, widely recognized as PlayerUnknown and the mastermind behind PUBG, has announced a significant shift in the trajectory of his studio, PlayerUnknown Productions. The development of the early-access survival game, Prologue: Go Wayback, is currently on hold as the studio undergoes a restructuring process.
Game Development Update
Launched into early access last November on Steam, Prologue: Go Wayback was initially described by Greene as a “realistic Minecraft.” Players navigate through procedurally generated landscapes devoid of guides or markers, facing challenges such as hunger, thirst, and extreme weather conditions as they strive to reach the elusive Weather Tower. This title is positioned as the first of three games intended to establish the groundwork for the studio’s ambitious vision, Project Artemis, which aims to create expansive, living multiplayer environments where millions of players can craft their own narratives.
In a recent communication, Greene revealed plans to make Go Wayback accessible for free to all future players through an upcoming update. Additionally, the studio is exploring options for players who have already purchased the game on Steam and the Epic Games Store to receive refunds, with further details expected soon.
While the current situation may seem discouraging, a statement on the game’s Steam page indicates that this may not signify the end of Go Wayback. The message expresses hope for a future return to the game, although it acknowledges that the studio will not be able to fulfill its Early Access plans at this time. The development team is actively working on an update that will introduce new items and pathways to enhance exploration within the game.
In Greene’s statement, he expressed gratitude to fans for their ongoing support. Despite the challenges, Prologue: Go Wayback has garnered a Mostly Positive rating on Steam, with 70% of players offering favorable reviews. GamesRadar+’s managing editor for news, Ali Jones, previously described the game as “deeply compelling,” although he noted its punishing difficulty—a sentiment echoed by creative director Scott Davidson, who emphasized the intention to create a challenging survival experience.
For those interested in the evolving landscape of gaming, be sure to check out our list of new games for 2026 and beyond, highlighting the exciting titles on the horizon.
