PlayerUnknown Productions is downsizing and halting development on Prologue: Go Wayback. The studio will make the game free for all future players. It is also investigating refunds for purchasers on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Studio shifts focus to Melba technology
The game is an open-world survival title from the studio founded by Brendan Greene, the creator of PUBG. Prologue: Go Wayback was intended as a tech demo for the studio's Melba technology. Development of Melba will continue with a smaller team.
Greene cited an inability to continue funding the project in its current form. He stated, "Unfortunately I have reached the limits of how far I can continue to fund this journey in its current form." The studio will shift focus to Melba technology with reduced staff.
The game currently costs $20 on Steam. Greene said, "We plan to make Go Wayback available for free for all future players with an upcoming update." The studio is working on refunds for those who already bought the game.
PlayerUnknown Productions released Prologue: Go Wayback in early access in 2024. The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its ambition but criticizing its limited content. The downsizing represents a major change for the studio.
The studio confirmed that Melba technology development will continue. Melba is a procedural generation system intended for large open worlds. The smaller team will focus on refining this technology for future projects.
Prologue: Go Wayback will become free with an upcoming update. Refunds are being investigated for existing buyers. The studio's future depends on the success of Melba technology.
Source: VideoGameChronicles
