Krafton’s 2026 Game Blitz: Inside the Quest for the Next PUBG Blockbuster
Krafton announced a 26‑project development slate and a 2026 push to create new franchise‑level games while accelerating PUBG’s growth.
A Massive Development Pipeline
Krafton, the studio behind the global phenomenon PUBG, revealed in a recent town‑hall that it currently has 26 games in various stages of development. The ambitious roster spans everything from mobile shooters to experimental indie experiences, all aimed at feeding the company’s long‑term vision.
Why the Focus on Franchise IPs?
The South Korean giant says the past year has been a period of rebuilding. By strengthening creative leadership and overhauling its publishing and development frameworks, Krafton hopes to lay a solid foundation for new franchise‑level properties—the kind of titles that can dominate markets for years, just as PUBG did.
The 2026 Game Sprint
According to Krafton’s official statement, the company will “ramp up development of new titles with potential to grow into Franchise IPs” in 2026 while simultaneously accelerating the PUBG brand itself. The plan is disciplined: core resources stay focused on existing hits, while a dedicated “Franchise IP” team explores fresh concepts, prototypes, and early‑access experiments.
What It Means for Players
For gamers, the news signals a likely surge of fresh experiences tied to Krafton’s signature style—high‑stakes combat, live‑service ecosystems, and cross‑platform play. If even a fraction of the 26 projects hit the mark, players could see a wave of new worlds to explore within the next few years, keeping the PUBG spirit alive while diversifying the catalog.
Industry Ripples
Krafton’s aggressive pipeline mirrors a broader trend among top publishers: hedge bets across multiple IPs to reduce reliance on a single flagship. As competition stiffens in the battle‑royale and live‑service arenas, having several potential “next PUBG” titles in the works protects revenue streams and attracts talent hungry for innovative projects.
Looking Ahead
The company’s disciplined approach—combining creative leadership upgrades with a clear roadmap—suggests that Krafton isn’t just chasing another hit; it’s building a sustainable franchise ecosystem. Investors and analysts will be watching closely to see which of the 26 projects break through, but the message is clear: Krafton is betting big on its future, and the gaming community should get ready for a flood of new content.
Read the full story on The Verge for deeper insight into Krafton’s strategy and its implications for the next wave of multiplayer gaming.