PUBG
News, coverage and analysis tracking PUBG across the outlets.
Nintendo’s Patent Application For Pokémon-Like Gameplay on Touch Screens Rejected by JPONintendo's patent application for monster-catching gameplay mechanics on touchscreen devices has been rejected by the Japan Patent Office (JPO). The JPO cited a lack of "inventive step" and existing "prior art," including Pokémon games, as reasons for the rejection. This decision impacts Nintendo's efforts to prevent games like Palworld from appearing on mobile platforms.
Subnautica 2 Publisher Krafton Offered Employees Massive Baby Bonuses, And It Paid OffSubnautica 2 and PUBG publisher Krafton has seen a significant increase in employee childbirths after implementing a generous bonus program offering up to 100 Million Won (approximately $67,000) per child. The company also extended parental leave to two years as part of its efforts to combat South Korea's low birth rate and foster a better work-life balance.- PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS LAUNCHES “PAYDAY” CO-OP HEIST MODE IN COLLABORATION WITH STARBREEZE ENTERTAINMENTPUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS has launched a new limited-time PvE mode called "PAYDAY," developed in collaboration with Starbreeze Entertainment. This four-player co-op experience, available on PC and consoles, features class-based gameplay and heist missions inspired by the PAYDAY franchise. The update also includes a new Event Pass with PAYDAY-themed cosmetics.
PUBG is removing several weapons from the game, and you could be due compensationPUBG is removing several underutilized weapons from its battle royale mode in an upcoming update to make way for new additions. Players who own cosmetic skins for these removed weapons will receive in-game currency compensation, including BP, Credits, and G-Coins, based on the skin's rarity.- The MOP Up: V Rising mulls over a new patchStunlock Studios is gathering player feedback for an upcoming balance and bug-fix patch for V Rising. This roundup also includes news on updates for Villagers and Heroes, The Elder Scrolls Online, MechWarrior Online, and Apex Legends, among others.
New PUBG game, inspired by Escape from Tarkov, gets free playtestKrafton, the makers of PUBG, are developing a new extraction shooter called Black Budget, inspired by Escape from Tarkov. The game features a tropical island setting with supernatural elements and a 30-minute match limit. Players can sign up for an upcoming playtest on Steam.- Game Crossovers and CollaborationsA new gameplay trailer showcases a collaboration between PUBG and PAYDAY, while Assassin's Creed announced an upcoming stage show. Separately, the publisher of Clair Obscur explained the decision to launch a physical gaming magazine in 2026.
If you're asking why everyone's making an extraction shooter, Escape from Tarkov is the 11th most-played game on PC according to new report, beating Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, and PUBGA new report from Newzoo indicates that Escape from Tarkov is the 11th most-played game on PC for 2025, surpassing titles like Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, PUBG, and Apex Legends in total playtime. While not reaching the heights of Fortnite or Counter-Strike 2, its performance highlights the genre's popularity among dedicated players.
Krafton Q1 revenue up 56.9% to $931m, driven by mobile contentKrafton reported record first-quarter results with revenue up 56.9% to $931 million, driven primarily by its mobile segment and the PUBG franchise. The company also reaffirmed its AI-first strategy, emphasizing its use of artificial intelligence for game development and enhanced player experiences.- Subnautica 2 sets a May 14 early access date as Krafton’s Q1 2026 financials soar thanks to PUBGUnknown Worlds announced that Subnautica 2 will launch in Early Access on May 14 for $29.99 USD on PC and Xbox Series consoles. The sequel introduces a new alien ocean world, expanded survival systems, and optional four-player co-op. This news comes as Krafton announced record Q1 2026 financials, largely attributed to PUBG.
- Business and FinanceKrafton reported record-breaking quarterly revenue exceeding $927 million, driven by the PUBG franchise, with a 32% surge in operating profit. Meanwhile, OpenAI reportedly missed internal targets for active users, contributing to a market slump.
- KRAFTON ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2026 RESULTSKRAFTON announced record-breaking first quarter 2026 financial results, with revenue reaching KRW 1.3714 trillion and operating profit at KRW 561.6 billion. The PUBG IP franchise saw significant growth, contributing to the company's success. Future growth drivers include the scaling up of inZOI, the early access launch of Subnautica 2, and advancements in their AI for Game initiative.
MAXOUT DEBUTS AS THE ULTIMATE ALL-IN-ONE ESPORTS ECOSYSTEMCyber Tech Mob, Inc. is launching MaxOut, an all-in-one esports ecosystem designed to support various aspects of competitive gaming. Available on mobile and browser platforms, MaxOut integrates global leaderboards, professional management tools, and features for teams, leagues, casters, coaches, and competitors. The platform aims to address the fragmentation in the industry by providing a unified destination for essential esports tools.- MAXOUT DEBUTS AS THE ULTIMATE ALL-IN-ONE ESPORTS ECOSYSTEMCyber Tech Mob, Inc. announced the upcoming launch of MaxOut, an all-in-one esports ecosystem designed to support various aspects of competitive gaming. Available on mobile and browser platforms, MaxOut integrates global leaderboards, professional management tools, and features for teams, leagues, casters, coaches, and competitors. The platform aims to address the fragmentation in the esports industry by providing a unified destination for essential tools and services.
Hiring has begun for a new sequel, Tera 2, as Krafton eyes Unreal Engine 5 to secure a potential MMORPG hitKrafton has begun hiring for Tera 2, a sequel to the action MMORPG Tera, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. The game will retain the original's open action combat style. This development comes as other major MMORPG projects have been canceled, and Krafton, known for publishing titles like PUBG, aims to recapture success with its own MMO.
The Esports World Cup 2026 Sets a Record-Breaking Prize PoolThe Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will feature a record-breaking $75 million prize pool across 24 games and 25 tournaments. Over 2,000 players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries will compete in a variety of genres including battle royales, first-person shooters, MOBAs, and fighting games.
PUBG Nations Cup Returns to Seoul After Seven YearsThe PUBG Nations Cup is returning to Seoul, South Korea, after seven years, with the tournament set to take place at Jangchung Arena from June 23-28. Twenty-four teams, including debutants Kazakhstan and Ukraine, will compete over five days for the championship title. The event highlights the evolution of PUBG esports and the diverse regional playstyles that will collide in the competition.
GamesIndustry.biz will once again head to Brazil to report on Gamescom LatamGamesIndustry.biz will be covering Gamescom Latam in São Paulo from April 29 to May 3, featuring showcases of South American games and industry talks. The event will include a Brazilian developer showcase hosted by Abragames, with participation from figures like Brendan Greene and David Wise, and will culminate in the BIG Awards.
Bladerite: Rivals, Fantasy Melee Battle Royale to Launch Closed Beta Test for Android - GameHauntBladerite Rivals, a fantasy melee battle royale from developer Seeds, is launching its closed beta test for Android devices on April 23, 2026. The game features 20-player matches that last under seven minutes, focusing on sword-based combat and a "Lethal Triangle" system that emphasizes skill over luck. The beta will include over 20 heroes, new characters like Candice, and a player-driven economy for trading weapon Patterns, with an iOS release planned for later.
AUG Assault Rifle Dominates PUBG Esports with 62% Pro Usage RateThe AUG assault rifle dominates PUBG esports with a 62.5% usage rate in the recent PUBG Global Series Circuit 1, significantly outperforming the second-place M416. While the AUG's dominance remains consistent, shifts are occurring in the designated marksman rifle category, with the Mini14 seeing increased usage. Tactical equipment like the Mortar and Panzerfaust are becoming essential, expanding strategic options beyond pure aiming skill.