Few games have had a more transformative impact on the world of multiplayer gaming than PUBG: Battlegrounds, formerly known as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. Released in 2017 and developed by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of South Korean company KRAFTON, PUBG popularized the battle royale format and laid the foundation for a new era of online competitive play. In the years since its launch, it has expanded to multiple platforms, including PUBG Mobile, which brought the fast-paced thrills of battle royale to smartphones and reached over 1 billion downloads globally.
While Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends have emerged as popular contenders, PUBG remains a cornerstone of the genre. With its gritty realism, strategic depth, and relentless tension, PUBG has captured the attention of players, streamers, and esports organizations across the globe.
This article explores the gameplay, development, competitive scene, mobile adaptation, and cultural footprint of PUBG: Battlegrounds and PUBG Mobile—and why the title continues to define and evolve the battle royale experience.
I. The Origins of PUBG: From Mod to Mainstream
A. The Vision of “PlayerUnknown”
The roots of PUBG trace back to Brendan Greene, an Irish game designer who used the moniker PlayerUnknown. Greene originally developed battle royale mods for games like ARMA 2 and DayZ, inspired by the 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale, in which students are forced to fight to the death on a deserted island.
His mods gained popularity for their high tension, realistic combat, and massive player counts. In 2016, Greene partnered with South Korean game studio Bluehole (later KRAFTON) to create a standalone game based on this concept: PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
B. Launch and Early Success
Released in March 2017 on PC as an early access title, PUBG took the gaming world by storm. Within a year, it had:
- Sold over 30 million copies
- Hit 3 million concurrent users on Steam
- Won multiple Game of the Year awards
- Sparked the global battle royale boom
Its blend of realistic ballistics, massive maps, and tactical pacing distinguished it from arcade-style shooters.
II. Gameplay Mechanics: Tension, Tactics, and Survival
A. The Core Loop
PUBG drops 100 players onto an island, where they must scavenge for weapons, armor, and supplies, all while staying within a shrinking playzone. The objective: be the last player or team standing.
Key gameplay features include:
- Realistic gunplay with bullet drop, recoil control, and ammo types
- Diverse weaponry, from assault rifles and SMGs to melee weapons and grenades
- First-person and third-person modes, allowing strategic preference
- Random loot drops and red zones (artillery strikes) for environmental challenge
- Vehicles, including motorcycles, buggies, and armored trucks, for fast travel or combat
The heart-pounding final circles, where players must maneuver, shoot, and strategize within tiny zones, are what define PUBG’s unique suspense.
B. Maps and Environments
PUBG features a variety of expansive maps, each with distinct terrains and playstyles:
- Erangel – A lush Eastern European island, the original and most iconic map
- Miramar – A vast desert with open sightlines and sniper-friendly environments
- Sanhok – A smaller, jungle map with faster matches
- Vikendi – A snow-covered tactical environment with dense towns and foliage
- Taego & Deston – Later maps introducing new biomes, respawn mechanics, and verticality
Dynamic weather and destructible environments increase replayability and realism.
III. PUBG Mobile: Global Domination on Handheld Devices
A. Launch and Features
Launched in March 2018, PUBG Mobile brought the full-scale battle royale experience to smartphones. Developed by Tencent Games with KRAFTON’s license, PUBG Mobile:
- Retains core mechanics of the PC version
- Offers simplified controls and optimized graphics
- Introduces mobile-exclusive events, cosmetics, and rewards
Despite hardware limitations, PUBG Mobile’s fidelity and performance amazed both fans and critics. It was particularly successful in India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America, where mobile gaming dominates.
B. Popularity and Milestones
PUBG Mobile quickly became a phenomenon:
- Over 1 billion downloads worldwide
- Generated over $9 billion in revenue
- Consistently ranks among top-grossing mobile apps
- Became a cultural trend, inspiring memes, fan art, and music
Events like Metro Royale, Spider-Man collaborations, and Runic Power mode gave players new ways to engage beyond standard matches.
IV. PUBG Esports: The Rise of Competitive Battle Royale
A. Competitive Tournaments
PUBG has developed an intense and evolving esports ecosystem. Its tournaments emphasize teamwork, communication, and macro-level strategy. Notable events include:
- PUBG Global Invitational (PGI)
- PUBG Continental Series (PCS)
- PUBG Nations Cup
- PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC)
Prize pools often exceed $1 million, attracting professional organizations like FaZe Clan, NAVI, TSM, Nova Esports, and more.
B. PUBG Mobile Esports
PUBG Mobile’s esports scene has outpaced its PC counterpart in popularity, especially in Asia. It features:
- Regional leagues: PMPL (PUBG Mobile Pro League)
- Annual global championships with massive viewership
- Strong support from sponsors and telecom companies
The mobile format’s accessibility has empowered grassroots talent to rise through open qualifiers and climb to global stages.
V. Technological and Gameplay Evolution
A. Game Modes and Innovations
PUBG has introduced multiple new mechanics and modes over time:
- Team Deathmatch and Arena Modes for close-quarters combat
- Payload Mode with helicopters and missile launchers
- Zombie Modes, often in collaboration with Resident Evil
- Training Grounds to practice weapons and aim
PUBG Mobile added quick chat wheels, Gyroscope aiming, and auto-loot systems to enhance mobile usability.
B. Weapon Mastery and Progression
Both PUBG PC and Mobile feature progression systems:
- Weapon mastery stats track kills, headshots, and accuracy
- Seasonal ranks with tiers from Bronze to Conqueror
- Achievements and medals that highlight accomplishments
- Clan systems and crew challenges for social play
These systems encourage continuous engagement and give players milestones to work toward.
VI. Monetization and Customization
PUBG is free-to-play (on mobile) and supports itself through:
- Royale Passes – Seasonal battle passes with exclusive cosmetic rewards
- Crates and lucky spins – RNG-based item unlocks
- Skins for characters, weapons, parachutes, vehicles, and more
- Premium currency (UC) purchasable with real money
While largely cosmetic, critics have raised concerns about loot box mechanics and in-game spending by minors, prompting stronger regulations and parental controls.
VII. PUBG’s Cultural Impact
A. Mainstream Recognition
PUBG was a finalist or winner for numerous Game of the Year awards in 2017–2018. It has influenced pop culture through:
- YouTube and Twitch creators like Shroud, ChocoTaco, and Mortal
- Fan fiction, machinima, and comic content
- Merchandise and licensed apparel
- Tie-ins with celebrities and brands
Its realistic approach inspired games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Free Fire while influencing films, TV shows, and anime storylines.
B. Social Connectivity
PUBG Mobile became a virtual hangout space, particularly in countries with youth-dominant populations. Players chat, collaborate, and even form relationships within the game.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, PUBG Mobile served as a social lifeline, providing connection and entertainment during lockdowns.
VIII. Challenges and Controversies
A. Regional Bans
In some countries, PUBG faced criticism or temporary bans due to:
- Addiction concerns
- Allegations of violence and social disruption
- Political tensions, particularly in India due to Chinese developer involvement
In response, PUBG Mobile India was removed from app stores but later rebranded as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) in collaboration with KRAFTON.
B. Anti-Cheat Measures
With large player bases come cheaters. PUBG has battled hacks like:
- Aimbots
- Wallhacks
- Speed hacks
Developers have implemented anti-cheat engines, stricter bans, and community reporting tools to combat this, though challenges remain.
IX. PUBG’s Future and Relevance
A. PUBG: New State
In 2021, KRAFTON released PUBG: New State, a futuristic reimagining for mobile featuring:
- Enhanced graphics and performance
- Drones, shields, and futuristic vehicles
- New maps and factions
It’s aimed at hardcore mobile players seeking next-gen visuals while remaining loyal to PUBG’s core gameplay.
B. Ongoing Updates and Sustainability
PUBG: Battlegrounds became free-to-play on PC and console in 2022, boosting accessibility. KRAFTON has continued investing in:
- New maps and mechanics
- Lore expansions
- Cross-platform play
- Global esports leagues
Whether through tactical realism or mobile-friendly design, PUBG’s long-term relevance is sustained by consistent updates and community feedback.
Conclusion: PUBG’s Legacy in the Battle Royale Genre
PUBG: Battlegrounds and PUBG Mobile did more than just start a trend—they set a global standard. Their impact is evident in every drop zone, every circle closure, and every winner-winner chicken dinner echoed across the world. The game introduced millions to tactical combat, survival strategy, and the high-stakes thrill of battle royale.
Even as newer titles emerge, PUBG continues to evolve, staying true to its roots while adapting to modern expectations. It offers not just intense gameplay but also community, competition, and creativity.
In the ever-changing battlefield of online gaming, PUBG still stands tall—not just as a game, but as a phenomenon, a pioneer, and a legacy in motion.