PUBG: Where Battle Royale Phenomenon Began

Updated On: February 28, 2024 by     James Connolly  

You’re no stranger to the electrifying buzz surrounding ‘battle royale’, a genre that’s well and truly captured imaginations worldwide. Alongside you, we’ve been enthralled by the sheer exhilaration of striving to be the last one standing – it’s quite the rollercoaster! And here’s a particularly gripping snippet for you: within just over a fortnight, PUBG astonishingly shifted one million copies.

In our forthcoming article, we delve into this gaming phenomenon‘s beginnings and its sweeping influence across the globe. So pull up a chair, and prepare to uncover the backstory behind your favourite pulse-racing diversion!

Key Takeaways

• Brendan Greene, known as PlayerUnknown, created the first battle royale game mode through a mod for Arma, setting the stage for PUBG and sparking a new genre in gaming.
• The standalone game PUBG soared to success upon its 2017 release, selling over one million copies in just 16 days and becoming a cultural phenomenon, particularly within Asia’s esports scene.
• Fortnite’s explosion onto the battle royale scene in 2018 introduced innovative features like building mechanics and became accessible to millions with its free-to-play model, impacting both gaming culture and mainstream entertainment.
• New entrants like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone added variety to the battle royale genre with unique gameplay elements such as character abilities and engaging gunplay.
• The advent of battle royale games has significantly contributed to the expansion of esports by attracting global players to competitive tournaments, further influencing popular culture beyond online multiplayer environments.

The History of Battle Royale

The concept of battle royale format originated from multiplayer mods and early games, dating back to 2012-2016. The survival, exploration, and scavenging elements in these games formed the foundation for the popular last-man-standing gameplay seen in battle royale games today.

The concept

Battle royale took the gaming world by storm with a simple, yet thrilling premise: dozens of players drop into an ever-shrinking map, scavenging for weapons and supplies to be the last one standing.

This mix of survival elements, exploration, and competitive gameplay created an adrenaline-filled experience that appealed to both spectators and players alike.

Our journey with battle royales began in open-world survival games where innovative multiplayer mods set the stage for what would become a genre-defining phenomenon. It was here that PUBG’s creator Brendan Greene first experimented with last-man-standing gameplay, sowing the seeds for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds—a game that would sell millions and define a cultural milestone within esports and online communities worldwide.

Early mods and games (2012–2016)

1. Brendan Greene developed a mod for the game Arma, laying the groundwork for what would later become PUBG.
2. Multiplayer mods in open-world survival games like Arma and DayZ paved the way for experimentation with last-man-standing gameplay.
3. The concept of scavenging resources, exploration, and intense combat within an ever-shrinking play area began to gain traction among gaming communities around this time.
4. These early mods and games set the stage for the eventual explosion of battle royale as a popular video game genre.

Formation of Standalone Games (2017-2018)

The formation of standalone battle royale games in 2017-2018 marked a significant shift in the gaming industry, with titles like DayZ and PlayerUnknown gaining widespread attention.

The emergence of PUBG as the dominant game further solidified the popularity of the lastmanstanding gameplay.

DayZ and PlayerUnknown

DayZ and PlayerUnknown are two significant names in the history of battle royale games. DayZ, an open-world survival game, laid the groundwork for the genre with its multiplayer mod, allowing players to scavenge for supplies and survive against both zombies and other players.

Brendan Greene, also known as PlayerUnknown, further developed this concept by creating a mod for Arma before launching PUBG as a standalone game. These early innovations set the stage for the rise of battle royale games and reshaped online multiplayer gaming experiences.

PlayerUnknown’s innovation with PUBG propelled the last-man-standing gameplay into mainstream popularity, drawing widespread attention to this intense style of play. The success of these early initiatives paved the way for other popular battle royale games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone that have since captivated gaming enthusiasts around the world.

First standalone battle royale game – H1Z1

H1Z1, developed by Daybreak Game Company, emerged as the first standalone battle royale game in 2015. With a strong focus on scavenging and exploration in an open-world setting, H1Z1 laid the foundation for future titles in the genre.

The game gained significant popularity due to its unique take on multiplayer survival gameplay before evolving into two separate games: H1Z1: Just Survive and H1Z1: King of the Kill.

Focused heavily on player-vs-player combat and tactical decision-making, H1Z1 allowed players to strategically scavenge for resources while engaging in intense shootouts similar to those found in traditional shooter games.

PUBG emerges as the dominant game

PUBG quickly rose to dominance in the battle royale genre after its release in 2017, becoming a sensation among PC gamers. Developed by Brendan Greene, the game sold one million copies within just 16 days of its launch, solidifying its place as a trendsetter in multiplayer online gaming.

With intense gameplay features and an intriguing development history, PUBG kick-started one of the biggest cultural phenomena in video game culture. Despite being more popular in Asia initially, PUBG’s impact on esports and gaming is undeniable.

The rise of PUBG marked a significant shift in the landscape of multiplayer online games, sparking interest and exploration within the gaming community. Its emergence not only influenced other popular battle royale games like Fortnite and Apex Legends but also contributed to the growth of competitive gaming and esports.

The legacy left behind by PUBG has forever changed how we perceive online gaming and continues to inspire new developments within the industry.

Mainstream Popularity (2018-Present)

The rise of Fortnite as a cultural phenomenon, along with the emergence of other popular battle royale games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone, has solidified the genre’s place in mainstream gaming.

These games have captured the attention of both casual and professional gamers alike, creating a vibrant and competitive online gaming community.

The rise of Fortnite

Fortnite, a battle royale game developed by Epic Games, surged in popularity in 2018. It captivated both casual and professional gamers with its vibrant graphics, unique building mechanics, and constant updates to keep players engaged.

The game’s free-to-play model made it accessible to a wider audience, leading to a massive player base that quickly overshadowed its competitors. Fortnite also successfully integrated cultural phenomena such as virtual concerts and movie screenings into the gaming experience, solidifying its impact beyond the gaming community.

Fortnite’s widespread appeal propelled it into mainstream pop culture and set new standards for battle royale games. Its accessibility and innovative features not only changed the gaming landscape but also influenced other aspects of entertainment, inspiring events like virtual parties and marketing campaigns within various industries.

Other popular battle royale games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone

After the rise of Fortnite, other popular battle royale games emerged, captivating players with unique gameplay experiences. These games have made a significant impact in the gaming world, drawing in millions of players from around the globe. Let’s delve into these titles and explore what makes them stand out:

1. Apex Legends: Developed by Respawn Entertainment, this fast-paced battle royale game introduces a diverse cast of characters known as “Legends,” each with their own unique abilities. Set in the Titanfall universe, it offers a refreshing take on the genre with its focus on teamwork and strategic gameplay, making it a favourite among competitive gamers.
2. Call of Duty: Warzone: This free-to-play game from the renowned franchise incorporates elements of the classic Call of Duty series into a thrilling battle royale experience. With its expansive map and intense gunplay mechanics, Warzone has quickly become a go-to choice for players seeking high-octane action and adrenaline-pumping firefights.

Impact of Battle Royale

The impact of battle royale games has been significant, leading to the growth of esports and influencing broader gaming culture. These games have introduced new dynamics and strategies to competitive gaming, creating a lasting impact on the industry.

The growth of esports

Esports has seen significant growth, with battle royale games like PUBG playing a pivotal role in its rise. Tournaments and competitions attract talented players from around the world, competing for substantial prize pools.

The fast-paced action and tactical gameplay of PUBG have made it a staple in the esports community. Professional teams compete at major events, showcasing their skills to global audiences.

The impact of PUBG on esports is undeniable, as it continues to draw attention and interest from gamers and spectators alike. The competitive nature of battle royale games adds an exciting dimension to esports, attracting new fans and further solidifying its position in the gaming industry.

The cultural impact

The cultural impact of battle royale games, particularly PUBG, has been significant. These games have not only revolutionised the gaming industry but have also influenced popular culture and entertainment.

The rise of battle royale games has led to a surge in esports competitions and events worldwide, drawing millions of viewers and creating new opportunities for professional gamers.

Additionally, the widespread popularity of these games has sparked interest in game development and design, inspiring a new generation of creators to explore innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive virtual worlds.

Furthermore, battle royale games like PUBG have played a crucial role in bringing players from diverse backgrounds together in an engaging and competitive environment. With their emphasis on teamwork, strategic thinking, and quick decision-making skills, these games have fostered online communities that transcend geographical boundaries, contributing to a more connected global gaming culture.

Conclusion

PUBG, developed by Brendan Greene, kick-started the battle royale phenomenon. The game sold a million copies within 16 days of its release and became popular in Asia. It fuelled the rise of other battle royale games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone.

PUBG’s impact on gaming history and culture is undeniable. Its intense gameplay features and development have left an indelible mark on the world of gaming.

FAQs

1. What is PUBG and how did it shape gaming history?

PUBG, short for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, is a game that kickstarted the battle royale phenomenon in gaming history by pitting players against each other on a shrinking map.

2. Can you explore the game world in PUBG?

Absolutely! In PUBG, exploration plays a key part as gamers roam vast landscapes to scavenge for gear and outsmart rivals.

3. What role does scavenging play in PUBG gameplay?

Scavenging is crucial in PUBG as players must find weapons and supplies across the game world to survive fights and be the last one standing.

4. Is PUBG included in esports tournaments?

Yes, since its rise to fame, PUBG has become an important part of esports with numerous gaming competitions featuring this thrilling title.