Game Reviews

H1Z1: Battle Royale – Pioneering the Genre’s Explosive Growth

14 Feb 2024 20 min read

Updated On: February 14, 2024 by What is Esports? Team

Ever found yourself mulling over the origins of that electric buzz we get from a century of contenders duelling it out in an ever-tightening arena? We’ve all spent a fair few moments sifting through gaming’s annals to fathom this heart-racing craze.

Our explorations reveal something intriguing: H1Z1: Battle Royale wasn’t simply nipping at the heels of the phenomena; it was pivotal in carving out the battle royale genre we can’t get enough of today.

Let’s embark on an odyssey through the annals of gaming, retracing how this spectacle evolved into a cornerstone of digital entertainment.

Key Takeaways

H1Z1 sparked the Battle Royale trend by dropping players into an “every man for himself” survival scenario, much like The Hunger Games. This concept caught fire and was key to the genre’s growth.
When PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) launched in 2017, it built on H1Z1’s foundations with more realistic gameplay, attracting even more fans and shaping future Battle Royale games. Fortnite then took things further with its unique building features and free-to-play model, making Battle Royales a cultural phenomenon.
The creation of the H1Z1 Pro League marked Battle Royale’s official entry into esports. It set up structured competitive play that brought new viewers to streaming platforms and showcased players’ skills in high-stakes matches.
As more games entered this arena, competition grew fierce. To keep up, developers continually updated their games with fresh content and gameplay improvements.
Despite these challenges, H1Z1 managed to maintain an important role in gaming history as a pioneer of the genre. Its impact is seen across both PC and console platforms as it helped shape what we now know as modern Battle Royales.

The Birth of the Battle Royale Genre

The Hunger Games simulator and the rise of H1Z1 played a significant role in popularising the battle royale genre, leading to the introduction of PUBG.

The Hunger Games simulator

Fans of survival games got a treat when H1Z1 burst onto the scene, offering an experience closely mirroring the “every player for themselves” scenario popularised by The Hunger Games.

We found ourselves dropped into a massive map with 99 other players, all vying to be the last one standing. It was thrilling and nerve-wracking, pushing us to scavenge for resources, form fleeting alliances, and engage in tactical combat.

Our battles became even more intense as we quickly learnt that only strategic thinking could earn us victory. Gas zones forced players closer together while airdrops tempted us with higher-powered gear.

Each game felt like stepping into our own version of The Hunger Games arena—minus the fictional dystopia but filled with adrenaline-pumping action that kept us coming back for more.

The rise of H1Z1

H1Z1: Battle Royale emerged as a frontrunner in the explosive growth of the genre, introducing players to an adrenaline-fueled competition setting. With its inception in early 2016, the game quickly gained traction and popularity among gamers.

As part of H1Z1’s evolution into two separate projects, H1Z1: King of the Kill became a pivotal player in establishing Battle Royale as a significant gaming category.

The game’s concept was simple yet compelling – drop 100 players onto a sprawling map and let them battle it out until only one survivor remains. This premise resonated with gaming enthusiasts, driving widespread adoption and sparking a new wave of interest in competitive multiplayer gameplay.

The introduction of PUBG

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) was a game-changer in the Battle Royale genre, entering the scene in 2017 and quickly taking the gaming world by storm. With its intense gameplay and realistic graphics, PUBG set a new standard for Battle Royale games.

The introduction of PUBG marked a turning point in the industry, sparking a wave of interest and competition that has since propelled the genre to new heights.

PUBG dropped players onto an expansive map with one simple goal: be the last person standing. Its success not only revolutionised Battle Royale gaming but also paved the way for other popular titles like Fortnite.

Growth of the Battle Royale Genre

The Battle Royale genre has seen substantial growth in recent years, with the popularity surge of PUBG and the entrance of Fortnite adding to its appeal. This increase in competition has led to a wider variety of games within the genre and a more diverse gaming experience for players.

Popularity surge of PUBG

The release of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) saw a remarkable surge in popularity within the Battle Royale genre. As one of the first games to bring this genre to mainstream attention, PUBG quickly gained a massive following among gamers worldwide.

Its intense gameplay and realistic graphics captivated players, propelling it to become a household name in the gaming industry.

PUBG’s popularity surge was also driven by its innovative gameplay mechanics and strategic approach, offering an immersive experience for both casual and competitive gamers. The game’s success paved the way for other Battle Royale titles like Fortnite, further solidifying its impact on the explosive growth of this gaming genre.

Entrance of Fortnite

The arrival of Fortnite marked a significant turning point in the Battle Royale genre. With its unique blend of building mechanics and fast-paced shooting gameplay, Fortnite quickly captured the attention of both casual gamers and esports enthusiasts.

The game’s free-to-play model and cross-platform compatibility further expanded its reach, drawing in millions of players worldwide. As a result, it became one of the most dominant forces in the Battle Royale landscape, challenging established titles like H1Z1 and PUBG with its constant updates and innovative game modes.

Its entrance into the scene not only intensified competition but also pushed other developers to continuously evolve their games to keep up with Fortnite’s success.

Fortnite’s impact extended beyond just gaming; it became a cultural phenomenon that transcended traditional media boundaries, spawning dances, memes, and an entire community dedicated to exploring its every update.

Furthermore, Fortnite significantly influenced streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, with creators producing content that revolved around the game’s various features – from new skins to limited-time events.

Increase in competition

H1Z1 faced increased competition with the entrance of other Battle Royale games, notably PUBG and Fortnite. These games quickly gained popularity, attracting a large player base and dominating the genre.

As mobile gaming became more prevalent, the competition further intensified, encouraging developers to innovate and enhance their games to stay competitive in the market.

The growing number of Battle Royale games led to a significant shift in the industry as developers sought new ways to differentiate their offerings and capture players’ attention. With new titles constantly entering the market, H1Z1 had to adapt to meet evolving player expectations and maintain its position amid fierce competition.

The Pioneer of Battle Royale: H1Z1

H1Z1 was one of the pioneering battle royale games, leading the charge with its development and changes, as well as making a significant impact on console gaming. To learn more about H1Z1’s influence on the explosive growth of the battle royale genre, keep reading!

Development and changes

Developers spun off H1Z1 into two separate projects, “Just Survive” and “King of the Kill” in early 2016. The game has undergone significant changes and development to cater specifically to console players, including new weapon power progression, faster moving gas, more airdrops, and the addition of vehicles. These changes were implemented to create a more dynamic and action-packed gameplay experience.

Console release and impact

H1Z1: Battle Royale made a significant impact with its console release. The game was reimagined to fit the console platform, including new features such as weapon power progression, faster moving gas, more airdrops, and vehicles to push the action.

This move brought H1Z1 to a wider audience and contributed to its growth in the Battle Royale genre.

The console release of H1Z1: Battle Royale expanded its player base and introduced the game to new audiences. With these changes tailored for consoles, H1Z1 gained momentum in reaching both existing gamers and those who preferred playing on consoles over PC.

Esports and Streaming Impact

The creation of H1Z1 Pro League and its impact on the streaming community have reshaped the landscape of esports, making it an exciting era for competitive gaming. If you’re interested in learning more about how H1Z1 has influenced the rise of battle royale games, keep reading!

Creation of H1Z1 Pro League

The H1Z1 Pro League was established as a collaborative effort between Daybreak Games and Twin Galaxies CEO, Jace Hall. The League aimed to professionalise the competitive scene for H1Z1: Battle Royale, with an initial roster of 15 teams competing in Las Vegas.

The league contributed to the game’s growing esports presence by providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.

Twin Galaxies also played a crucial role in paving the way for structured competition within H1Z1. By setting up regular seasons and broadcasting matches on streaming platforms, the Pro League garnered attention from both players and viewers alike.

Impact on streaming community

The H1Z1 Battle Royale game has had a significant impact on the streaming community. With its fast-paced gameplay and intense competition, it has become a popular choice for streamers and viewers alike.

The creation of the H1Z1 Pro League also brought attention to the game within the esports scene, leading to increased streaming activity and engagement from both players and fans.

Streaming communities have seen heightened interest in H1Z1 due to its competitive nature, entertaining gameplay, and regular updates from developers. Many streamers have built dedicated fan bases around their H1Z1 content, contributing to the overall growth of the game’s presence within online gaming communities.

Comparison to traditional esports

Battle royale games like H1Z1 have reshaped the landscape of esports, offering a distinct format compared to traditional competitive gaming. Let’s delve into the particulars of how these two spheres of esports differ.

Aspect	Traditional Esports	Battle Royale Esports (e.g., H1Z1)
Structure	Team-based matches with set objectives.	Individuals or small teams fight to be the last standing in a shrinking playzone.
Game Length	Typically, consistent and predictable match durations.	Variable, depending on players’ survival.
Viewer Experience	Focused on strategies and team execution.	High tension and unpredictability with spontaneous engagements.
Competitive Scene	Established leagues with rigid schedules.	Flexible tournament formats, often with open qualifiers.
Player Skills	Emphasis on team coordination and specific game mechanics.	Survival skills, quick decision-making, and adaptability are crucial.
Accessibility	Often requires extensive knowledge of the game to enjoy.	Simpler ruleset makes it more accessible to a broader audience.
Game Development	Less frequent major updates.	Regular updates to maintain freshness and balance.

By comparing traditional esports with the emergent battle royale format, we observe significant differences that stand out in H1Z1’s approach to competitive gaming. These distinctions have contributed to the genre’s rapid expansion, drawing in players and spectators alike.

Conclusion

In summary, H1Z1 paved the way for the explosive growth of the Battle Royale genre. The game’s evolution and impact on both console and PC platforms have been significant. Despite facing competition from other games, H1Z1 remains a pioneer in establishing the Battle Royale craze.

Its role in shaping this evolving genre cannot be overlooked.