PUBG hits 50 million players as new map takes a few tips from Fortnite
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds has reached the impressive milestone of 50 million players across all platforms, Bluehole has announced.
The hugely popular battle royale experience is currently available across PC and Xbox One and as a free-to-play mobile download on iOS and Android.
PUBG’s latest achievement was announced alongside a smaller, more strategic map known as Sanhok. After three rounds of testing, it will be available on public servers starting Friday, June 22.
Available as part of the latest update coming this Friday, Sanhok is considerably smaller than the likes of Miramar and Erangel. As a result, matches will be shorter and more frantic, too.
Related: Fortnite Battle Royale Review
Every game will still feature 100 players, but major changes have been made to certain elements so things will start fast and end even faster. No more hiding in a building for 20 minutes before getting sniped across the map.
The Blue and Red Zones will now react to players accordingly, dynamically shifting in a way that will force you to prioritize movement and engage with enemies to survive.
Item and spawn balance have also been retooled so you can prepare for battle faster, and that all players stand an equal chance of kitting themselves up before things kick off.
Related: Best PC Games
The popularity of PUBG has since been eclipsed by Fortnite, with the latter now boasting an incredible 125 million players across all platforms. That being said, they’re both incredibly fun to play.
It’s hard to deny that Bluehole isn’t taking a bit of inspiration from Epic Games’ formula with Sanhok with its smaller, more intense battles and shorter match times.
Bluehole are also introducing the Event Pass, an add-on costing $9.99 which provides players an avenue to gain experience and items across a four-week period. An “elite” version of this pass will retail for $30 and come with an assortment of costumes and other silly bonuses.
This business model is undeniably similar to Fortnite’s Battle Pass and seems a great way to keep players invested after each match. Here’s hoping those who don’t pick up the pass will be rewarded, too.
Are you a fan of PUBG or Fortnite? Excited for the new map? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter @TrustedReviews.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
