Krafton has shelved yet another game planned for the PUBG universe. On October 2, 2026, the company announced that development for PUBG: Black Budget has been halted before the game ever reached full release.

What was PUBG: Black Budget?

Black Budget was a first-person game that blended PUBG's battle royale roots with extraction shooter mechanics. Players would repeatedly venture to a mysterious island, gather loot, and try to escape—offering an experience closer to Escape from Tarkov than classic PUBG.

The game went through two closed alpha tests, in December 2025 and June 2026. During the last test, it reached around 10,000 concurrent players and performed decently on the Steam wishlist charts.

Why did Krafton cancel it?

The numbers weren't bad, but Krafton didn't see them as enough. The company's statement reads: "After evaluating the project's development status and future direction, we concluded that the current path would not allow us to deliver an experience players could enjoy for the long term."

So, the issue wasn't a lack of player interest, but rather that the studio no longer believed in the game's long-term potential. It's a reminder that strong short-term test results don't always guarantee a project's survival.

The second PUBG spin-off canceled this year

Black Budget isn't alone. Earlier this year, PUBG: Blindspot met a similar fate. The top-down tactical shooter launched in early access on February 5, 2026, but was shut down just 53 days later on March 30. The development team explained that they couldn't deliver the targeted experience sustainably during early access. The game peaked at 3,251 concurrent players during launch weekend, but dropped to just 148 by the time it closed.

Krafton's efforts to expand the PUBG universe aren't over. The rogue-lite shooter PUBG: DED.NET, revealed at Gamescom 2026, is still in development and closed beta signups are open. The company is still exploring new ideas for the series—it's just being more selective about what gets the green light.

Does this affect main PUBG players?

No. This cancellation doesn't impact PUBG: Battlegrounds or PUBG Mobile in any way—it only affects a spin-off that never reached full release. There are no practical effects for players invested in the main game.

Still, two cancellations in a row show that Krafton is now less patient with experimental projects under the PUBG brand.

How to keep progressing in the PUBG universe

If you want to keep leveling up in the main PUBG game or other titles on Steam, it's always a good idea to top up your account funds in advance. With a Steam Wallet Code, you can instantly add funds to your account and be ready for new PUBG projects like DED.NET as soon as they're released.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was PUBG: Black Budget ever released?

No, the game was only in closed alpha testing and never reached full release or early access.

Are PUBG: Blindspot and Black Budget the same game?

No. Both were separate spin-off projects in the PUBG universe, and both were canceled in 2026. Blindspot launched in early access and was shut down shortly after, while Black Budget was halted during testing.