There are few things more exciting than an update to a beloved game. The anticipation can result in sleepless nights in the lead up, even for the more casual gamers.
PlayerUnknown Battleground
PUBG started life as mods for other games, created by Brendan Greene. Inspiration for the game came from cult hit film Battle Royale (2000) out of Japan. The film was based on the novel of the same title. PUBG only came into early access release in March 2017 with full release in December 2017. Three years is nearly a lifetime in the world of game development, especially with a game as popular as PlayerUnknown Battleground.
Mobile
PUBG proved so popular, it was released for mobile platforms in February 2018. It quickly became one of the most popular mobile games in the world. Gamehag.com has a Soul Gem reward system for playing PUBG that can be exchanged for real-world rewards. Season 14 hit phones and tablets in July 2020.
Battle Royale
For those unfamiliar with the game’s inspiration, it comes from the film Battle Royale. In the film, a class is randomly selected to be driven to an undisclosed location in a dystopia future Japan to fight it out to the death, with one student remaining. When the students arrive at the location, they’re given a pack that contains the basics for survival and weapons. Some weapons are better than others. An Uzi is obviously better than a fork. Unlike the film, PUBG players have to scavenge weapons and are dropped into the playing zones. Like the film, the playing zones get smaller as the game goes on.
Livik
Update 0.19.0 arrived with a new map. In a bit of role reversal, the new map is not available on desktop versions of PUBG yet. It is typically the other way around with desktop players getting the updates first. Livik is a Nordic map for 15 minute, 52 player battles. It measures 2km by 2km and is still in Beta so expect improvements along the way.
New Weapons
With the new map come new weapons for players to find and use during game play. New marksman rifle, MK12 has been added, as has a monster truck. Livik firearm training is on its way.
The Ancient Secret
4 August sees the Ancient Secret event for mobile players. It is a new addition to the Miramap map. It will add pyramid tombs. Drop in and gather loot by solving puzzles. Defeat the Boss by unlocking the final puzzle. Once the boss is defeated get Level 3 loot. To add some anxiety to game play, once the pyramid starts to float, a timer starts.
Spark the Flame
New skins have been added. Season 14 also sees additional measures in place to prevent cheating. Season 14 puts mobile players first this time around. Enjoy battling to the death in the new map with new weapons. Playing the same maps all the time can be repetitive, even in online multiplayer battle royale style games.