PUBG Studios Madison's DED.net Aims to Shake Up Battle Royale
Screen Rant spoke with creative director Dave Curd about DED.net, an upcoming multiplayer shooter from PUBG Studios Madison. The game combines roguelite run-based mechanics with non-traditional battle royale ideas and a unique visual style. It is designed to compete in a genre already dominated by titles such as Fortnite and PUBG.
DED.net comes from PUBG Studios Madison, with Dave Curd as creative director. The upcoming multiplayer FPS mixes repeat-run roguelite systems with battle royale structure, aiming for a distinctive look and feel. Its inspirations include 1990s touchstones such as David Lynch, Twin Peaks, The X-Files, Cronenberg-style body horror, Wu-Tang Clan, and Nine Inch Nails. Development has spanned roughly two and a half years.
The team also recruited Johnny Danger, a Madison radio DJ with over three decades on air, as announcer. Curd frames the project as deliberately specific and divisive rather than broadly appealing, citing details like drill-wielding baby dolls as things larger competitors might avoid. PUBG: Battlegrounds' publisher Krafton has signaled plans to expand PUBG into a broader platform.
DED.net's arrival may affect battle royale players, streamers, and developers by offering an alternative to established giants. Its divisive art and mature imagery could attract niche audiences while limiting broader appeal. If successful, it may encourage publishers to back stranger, creator-driven shooters; if not, it could reinforce caution around risky new IP. Younger or sensitive players may be affected by horror elements, so audience targeting and content warnings could matter.