PUBG: Dednet Aims to Bring the Franchise to New Audience, Creative Director Says

Dednet mixes multiplayer shooter action with roguelike elements. In an interview with TechRadar Gaming at the show, Curd described how the project fits into the wider battle royale franchise. "We're already getting into what PUBG is as an IP and what makes PUBG, PUBG," he said. "For me, it's not necessarily a closing circle or a level three helmet. PUBG is desperate survival. It's a dark sense of humour. It's survival of the fittest."

Curd added: "Dednet is kind of my attempt at spreading the gospel of PUBG to an audience that hasn't historically connected with it."

The creative director also said the game is being "developed console first," with matches that unfold at a much faster pace. "We're faster, leaner, and meaner, taking more fights and coming back," he said. Persistence is part of the design, with each match progressing a player in a way that carries forward into the next. Between matches, players gain what Curd called crazy abilities, such as sliding like a snake or having blade hands, as well as funny injuries like fumbling a weapon or sneezing in smoke, all while chasing a perfect build.

Curd described the team's overall mission as "to create an unhinged, f***** up adult sandbox" that allows "players [to] tell interesting stories." TechRadar reported that he also touched on how the '90s-inspired multiplayer shooter stands out with its zany abilities and unique style.

There is no official release date yet. Players can pre-register for the closed beta now for an early taste of the action, TechRadar reported.