Krafton, the developer behind the popular battle royale game PUBG, unveiled a new title called PUBG: Dednet at this year’s Gamescom event. The game is a wild, 1990s-inspired shooter that features over-the-top character abilities and a chaotic, punk-rock aesthetic. One of the most striking features is the variety of unique powers players can use, such as characters that move like snakes, wield swords with their hands, or control a tiny doll with a power drill driving a toy car. The game’s director, Dave Curd, described the tone as “my version of the 90s filtered through a meatgrinder,” hinting at a style that’s both nostalgic and exaggerated. The development team is embracing the bizarre to differentiate PUBG: Dednet from other battle royale games. While it retains the core battle royale structure—where teams of three players compete to be the last standing—it adds roguelite elements that change the gameplay experience each time. Players can choose how many wins or placements they want to achieve before a set number of losses, adding a strategic layer to the game. After each match, players are given choices that can alter or enhance their character’s abilities and play style. For instance, a player might opt for a support role using a riot shield made from a car door or choose to carry a tiny doll that can ride on their back or even sneak onto an opponent’s shoulder. Curd mentioned that the team tests new abilities based on whether they provoke laughter, present an interesting challenge, or linger in the minds of the developers. He joked that features like these won’t be included in this year’s Battlefield update, highlighting the unique and experimental nature of PUBG: Dednet. Despite the game’s polarizing potential, Curd is confident that if players feel strongly—whether positively or negatively—the team has succeeded in creating something memorable. The debut trailer, filled with neon-lit car chases, arcade-style gunfights, and a grungy punk vibe, suggests the game is aiming to be as entertaining as it is unconventional.