The History of PUBG: The Game That Shaped the Battle Royale Genre
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), released in 2017, is widely regarded as the game that popularized the battle royale genre. Developed by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of the South Korean company Bluehole Studio, PUBG quickly became a global phenomenon, influencing countless games and reshaping the landscape of online multiplayer shooters.
Origins of the Battle Royale Genre
The concept of battle royale gaming—where players are dropped into a large map and must fight until only one player or team remains—has its roots in mods for existing games. The creator of PUBG, Brendan “PlayerUnknown” Greene, played a significant role in developing these early concepts. Greene’s initial work on battle royale began as a mod for ARMA 2, a military simulation game, and later for H1Z1, a survival shooter.
Inspired by movies like Battle Royale and The Hunger Games, Greene wanted to create a high-stakes survival game that focused on strategy, tactics, and the thrill of being the last person standing. His early mods became popular, and soon he was approached by Bluehole Studio to develop a standalone game based on the battle royale concept.
The Development and Release of PUBG
In March 2017, PUBG launched in Early Access on Steam. The game featured a simple but effective formula: up to 100 players are dropped onto an island, where they must scavenge for weapons, armor, and resources, all while avoiding a shrinking safe zone that forces players into increasingly tense confrontations. The last person (or team) standing wins the match.
Despite being in early access, PUBG gained immediate popularity, with millions of players joining within the first few months. The game’s combination of tense survival mechanics, large-scale multiplayer, and the unpredictability of each match made it an instant hit.
PUBG officially launched in December 2017, and by the end of the year, it had sold over 30 million copies and was named one of the best games of 2017 by various media outlets. Its success paved the way for the battle royale genre to explode in popularity.
The Impact of PUBG on the Gaming Industry
PUBG’s influence on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. The game’s success led to a wave of battle royale titles, with major franchises like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone adopting similar formats. While each game brought its own twist to the formula, PUBG is credited with establishing the core elements that define the genre.
The game’s minimalist approach to storytelling and emphasis on gameplay over narrative also set a precedent for future titles in the genre. PUBG focused on delivering a realistic, tactical experience, with no complex plotlines or character arcs—just pure, adrenaline-fueled competition. This allowed players to create their own stories based on their experiences in the game.
Innovations and Key Features
One of PUBG’s standout features is its focus on realism. Unlike other battle royale games that often lean into fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay, PUBG emphasized realistic physics, ballistics, and weapon handling. This made combat feel weighty and satisfying, rewarding players who mastered the game’s mechanics.
Another innovation was PUBG’s shrinking play area, a mechanic that forced players into smaller and smaller spaces as the game progressed. This not only increased the tension of each match but also encouraged strategic movement, with players needing to plan their routes carefully to avoid being caught outside the safe zone.
Additionally, PUBG offered multiple maps with diverse environments, from the vast plains of Erangel to the desert landscapes of Miramar and the dense forests of Sanhok. Each map brought its own challenges, requiring players to adapt their playstyle depending on the terrain and available resources.
Global Success and Esports Scene
PUBG’s success extended beyond casual play, with the game becoming a fixture in the growing esports scene. The PUBG Corporation organized various global tournaments, including the PUBG Global Invitational and PUBG Continental Series, where top players and teams competed for substantial cash prizes.
While the competitive scene initially faced challenges, such as balancing the game for high-level play and ensuring a fair environment for all players, PUBG’s esports community continued to grow, attracting fans from around the world.
The Transition to PUBG: Battlegrounds and Free-to-Play
As PUBG evolved, the game rebranded to PUBG: Battlegrounds in 2021, as part of its transition to a free-to-play model in January 2022. The decision to go free-to-play was made to expand the player base and make the game more accessible to new players. It introduced a Battle Pass system and monetization through cosmetics, similar to other battle royale titles.
This shift helped PUBG maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive battle royale market, ensuring that both new and returning players could continue to enjoy the game.
Legacy and Future of PUBG
Today, PUBG remains one of the most played games in the world, with millions of active players. Its influence on the battle royale genre is undeniable, and it continues to inspire new titles and updates across the gaming industry.
With new content being added regularly, including maps, modes, and seasonal events, PUBG continues to evolve. The game’s commitment to realism, strategic gameplay, and player-driven experiences ensures that it will remain a staple in the battle royale genre for years to come.
