PUBG Studios has revealed a closed alpha test for its upcoming extraction shooter, PUBG: Black Budget, arriving on Steam next month. The test targets players in North America, Europe, and Asia across two December weekends. Set on a mysterious island caught in a time loop, the game emphasizes exploration over intense combat.
Test Schedule
The closed alpha will occur in two sessions on Steam. The first runs from December 12 to 14, followed by the second from December 19 to 21. Interested players can sign up directly through Steam for a chance to participate.
Game Concept
PUBG: Black Budget introduces a fresh take on the extraction shooter genre. Unlike traditional entries focused on survival and firefights, it prioritizes discovery and exploration within a supernatural time-loop environment on an enigmatic island. This PvPvE open-world setup promises unpredictable encounters and engaging gunplay.
Development Background
Originally known as Project Black Budget, the title first surfaced in a 2023 Krafton financial report. It was described there as featuring "an ever-changing PvPvE open-world and satisfying gunplay that deliver unpredictable and exciting experiences." Initial plans pointed to a 2024 launch, but no firm release date has been set. The alpha test marks the first public hands-on access, hinting at progress toward a full debut.
Market Context
Black Budget enters a competitive field, challenging established titles like Escape from Tarkov and the newly released Arc Raiders. Recent parodies such as Escape from Duckov, along with major releases from Battlefield and Call of Duty, highlight the genre's popularity. PUBG Studios may aim to leverage this momentum to draw in fans of tactical, high-stakes gameplay.