Source: epicgames.com
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, better known as PUBG, is one of the most popular battle royale games in the world. It was developed by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of the South Korean company Bluehole Studio. It was first released in 2017 for PC via Steam and has since expanded to other platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices (PUBG Mobile).
About PUBG and its meaning
The basic concept of PUBG is simple yet engaging: 100 players are dropped onto a large island, and they must survive until they are the last player or team standing. Along the way, players must scavenge for weapons, equipment, vehicles, and develop strategies to defeat their opponents.
The game combines elements of tactics, action, and survival strategy, making it one of the most thrilling and addictive games for players worldwide.
Origins and Development of PUBG
PUBG originated from the brainchild of Irish game designer Brendan Greene, known by the pseudonym PlayerUnknown. Before creating, Greene had already developed a battle royale mod for the games ARMA 2 and ARMA 3. The mod was inspired by the Japanese film “Battle Royale” (2000), in which a group of students is placed on a remote island and must kill each other until only one person remains alive.
The success of the mod prompted Bluehole to collaborate with Greene to create a full-fledged game based on the battle royale concept. The result of this collaboration was PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, which immediately exploded onto the market after its release in Early Access on Steam in March 2017.
Within just a few months, it became the most popular game on Steam, with millions of daily active players. PUBG even became the first game to reach over 3 million concurrent players on Steam—a remarkable record in the PC gaming world.
Game Play Mode
1. Basic Mechanism
PUBG gameplay begins with all players in a military aircraft flying across the map. Each player is free to choose when and where to parachute to the island. Upon landing, players must quickly scavenge for weapons, equipment, and ammunition, as none are provided at the start.
At the beginning of the game, players can find various types of weapons, such as:
- Assault rifles such as the M416, AKM, or SCAR-L
- Sniper rifles such as the Kar98k and AWM
- Shotguns, pistols, and close-range weapons such as pans or crowbars
In addition, players can also find armor (helmets and protective vests), bags to carry more items, and medical equipment such as First Aid Kits and Energy Drinks to restore HP.
2. Safe Zone and Danger Zone
One of the distinctive elements of PUBG is the “safe zone” and “blue zone” system.
- The safe zone is the area where players must remain to avoid damage.
- The blue zone is a dangerous area that shrinks over time and will deal damage to players outside the safe zone
This mechanism forces players to constantly move, seeking optimal positions, and prevents the game from becoming too passive. Additionally, there’s a Red Zone that randomly drops bombs in certain areas, forcing players to seek cover.
3. Game Mode
PUBG has several main game modes:
- Solo Mode: Players play alone against 99 other players.
- Duo Mode: Two players work together as a team.
- Squad Mode: Four players form a team to help each other and survive.
Additionally, in the PUBG Mobile version, there are also Arcade modes, Team Deathmatch (TDM), and special event modes that often change following seasonal updates.
Maps in PUBG
Has a variety of maps that offer a variety of battlefields and different strategies. Each map has its own characteristics, such as size, climate, and playstyle.
1. Erangel
The first and most iconic map, Erangel, is an 8×8 km island with lush greenery, major cities like Pochinki and School, and plenty of open terrain. This map offers a balance between close-quarters and long-range combat.
2. Miramar
An 8×8 km desert-themed map, Miramar features wide-open terrain, perfect for snipers and long-range combat. Cities like Los Leones and El Pozo are filled with tall buildings for defensive tactics.
3. Sanhok
The tropical map measures 4×4 km, making it smaller and more intense. Due to its smaller size, combat is faster and more aggressive. Sanhok is suited to players who prefer a fast-paced playstyle.
4. Vikendi
The snowy map measures 6×6 km. Slippery terrain and limited visibility due to the snow add to the game’s difficulty and strategy.
5. Karakin & Deston
The newer maps are smaller but feature interactive elements such as destructible buildings and dynamic blast zones.
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Special Features and Elements
1. Vehicle
PUBG offers a variety of vehicles to help players quickly move from one location to another, such as cars, motorcycles, boats, and even gliders. Some events use robots and animals, and these are only available for short periods during the current event. However, using vehicles is also risky, as they create loud noises that can attract enemy attention.
2. Supply Drop (Airdrop)
During the game, planes will drop supply crates (airdrops) containing rare weapons like the AWM, Groza, AUG, and high-level equipment (Level 3 armor). You can also obtain AirDrop pistols. However, airdrop locations often become the center of battle as many players try to capture them.
3. Weather and Time
Some maps have dynamic weather changes, such as rain, fog, andnighttimeme which affect visibility and playing tactics.
4. FPP and TPP
PUBG can be played from two perspectives:
- TPP (Third Person Perspective): a view from behind the character.
- FPP (First Person Perspective): a view from the character’s eyes.
This mode provides a different playing experience and is tailored to the player’s style.
PUBG Mobile and Other Versions
PUBG’s massive success on PC led Tencent Games to partner with PUBG Corporation to release. This version is free to play on Android and iOS devices.
PUBG Mobile has attracted hundreds of millions of players worldwide thanks to its touchscreen-adapted controls and various additional modes. There’s also a lighter version, for lower-spec phones.
Furthermore, there’s PUBG: New State, a futuristic version with more realistic graphics, modern weapons, and faster gameplay.
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Esports and PUBG Community
PUBG is not just a game; it has also grown into one of the largest esports disciplines in the world. Numerous international tournaments, such as the PUBG Global Championship (PGC) and the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC), feature professional teams from various countries.
The PUBG community is also very active, with many well-known streamers and YouTubers playing the game daily. This has helped expand PUBG’s popularity worldwide, including in Indonesia.
PUBG’s Influence on the Gaming World
PUBG is considered the pioneer of the modern battle royale genre, which has since been followed by many other games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone. The 100-player survival format, with only one player surviving until victory, has become a major trend in the gaming industry since PUBG’s inception.
Furthermore, PUBG successfully combines elements of strategy, survival, and realistic action, providing a thrilling experience for its players.
FAQ – PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds)
1. What is PUBG?
PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is a battle royale game where up to 100 players fight to be the last one standing on an island. Players must collect weapons, vehicles, and supplies while surviving against others in a constantly shrinking safe zone.
2. Who developed PUBG?
PUBG was developed by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of Krafton Inc., a South Korean video game company.
3. What platforms is PUBG available on?
PUBG is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices. There is also a free-to-play version called PUBG: Battlegrounds for PC and console, and PUBG Mobile Lite for low-end smartphones.
