A battle royale gone feral

Krafton revealed PUBG: Dednet at Gamescom, and the trailer shows players slithering like snakes, fighting with swords for hands, and a doll driving a toy car.

The mil-sim shelf is full

Creative director Dave Curd argues realistic shooters are everywhere, so copying them wins nothing. The only thing rivals can't copy is his specific take on this world.

“If you want a cool, stoic, mil-sim, take your pick; they're everywhere.”

The 90s through a meatgrinder

Curd's own description of the tone. Think arcade shootouts, neon-lit rural car chases, and a grungy punk color palette turned all the way up.

“my version of the 90s filtered through a meatgrinder”

Hate beats indifference

Curd expects the trailer to draw love and hate in equal measure, and he's fine with that. What would worry him is people watching and feeling nothing.

“The audience will forgive almost anything but being bored.”

Still three-player teams

Underneath the strangeness it's a battle royale. Squads of three fight to be the last trio standing, so the core loop stays familiar.

Roguelite runs on top

You commit to a run, targeting a number of wins or placements before you hit a loss limit. Every match ends with choices that alter or upgrade your character.

Build a support, or a gremlin

One path leans support: heals, or a riot shield cut from a car door. Another hands you the doll, which rides your back into battle or perches on an enemy's shoulder to annoy them.

The laugh test

New abilities have to pass three questions: does it make the team laugh, is it an interesting challenge, and are they still thinking about it the next day.

“I'm pretty confident this isn't going to be in this year's Battlefield update.”