Emerging Trends in Extraction Shooters
Krafton has officially entered the extraction shooter arena with the announcement of PUBG Black Budget, a spinoff from its renowned multiplayer franchise. The game’s presence has been hinted at in financial reports and interviews, but now, with a dedicated Steam page and an active X account, the excitement is palpable. Players won’t have to wait long to experience this new venture, as Krafton has confirmed that alpha playtests are set to commence next month, and notably, these sessions will not be under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
The landscape of extraction shooters is rapidly evolving, with titles like Escape From Tarkov reaching version 1.0 and making its debut on Steam, alongside Arc Raiders gaining significant attention. Bungie’s Marathon is also gearing up for a closed playtest in December. Now, with the introduction of PUBG Black Budget, the genre is becoming increasingly crowded, offering players a variety of experiences to explore.
Initially known by its codename, Project Black Budget, Krafton has opted to retain this title, emphasizing its connection to the PUBG universe. Developed by PUBG Corporation, the game promises a unique twist on the extraction shooter format. Set on the enigmatic island of Coli, players will navigate a time loop while confronting various PvPvE threats in pursuit of top-secret technology linked to the black-budget initiative known as SAPIENS. The intriguing premise suggests a blend of supernatural elements with the traditional extraction shooter mechanics.
While detailed gameplay footage is yet to be unveiled, teasers on the Steam page hint at a mysterious purple energy field referred to as the Anomaly. This phenomenon is said to gradually shrink the playable area, reminiscent of the battle royale mechanics that have defined PUBG’s legacy.
The press release highlights that Black Budget will differentiate itself from its competitors by emphasizing exploration and discovery rather than solely focusing on survival and combat. This approach may offer a more accessible experience compared to titles like Tarkov and Hunt, which are known for their intense gameplay. The game’s design encourages crafting, skill upgrades, and the expansion of a personal base between matches, potentially creating a vibrant social space for players to engage with.
Additional details reveal that Coli will feature a 2.5×2.5 km open-world environment, with matches lasting approximately 30 minutes. Players can form squads of up to three, competing against a maximum of 45 real players while contending with numerous PvE adversaries. The inclusion of three rival factions adds another layer of strategy, allowing players to undertake missions that can enhance their reputation and unlock exclusive rewards.
As Marathon prepares for its next playtest from December 12-16, it faces direct competition from PUBG Black Budget, which will host two weekends of alpha testing. The first playtest is scheduled for December 12-14, followed by a second session from December 19-21, exclusively on Steam. Players can sign up for these sessions via the game’s store page.
With the established reputation of the PUBG brand, a focus on exploration, and the intriguing supernatural narrative, Black Budget has the potential to carve out its own niche in the extraction shooter genre. The innovative mechanics, including the battle royale-style shrinking zone, will be closely watched as players prepare for their first glimpse of the game in just a few weeks.
