Why PUBG’s Design Is What Makes It a Gaming Phenomenon

Dilshan Senevirathne
6 min readFeb 25, 2023

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When it comes to creating a successful video game, it’s not just about the technical development process. It’s also about designing an experience that connects with players on a deep level — something that makes them feel truly immersed in the game. This article will explore the importance of user experience design in creating successful video games, and how even the most technically complex games can fail if they don’t connect with players in the right way.

Where all have begun.

In 2017, a little-known game developer from South Korea named Brendan Greene released a battle royal game called Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, or PUBG for short. At the time, battle royal games were a relatively new genre, but PUBG quickly gained popularity for its violent gameplay and addictive mechanics.

In PUBG, players are dropped onto a deserted islet with nothing but clothes on their tails and must scavenge for weapons and supplies while trying to eliminate other players. The last player or platoon standing wins the game. The game’s large-scale multiplayer battles and high-stakes gameplay quickly drew in millions of players worldwide.

One of the key factors that helped PUBG gain popularity was its accessibility. The game was available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, and mobile, which allowed players to easily jump into the action no matter where they were playing from. Additionally, the game’s relatively simple mechanics and rules made it easy for new players to understand and start playing.

Another important factor was the game’s frequent updates and improvements. The developers listened to player feedback and continually added new content and features to the game, which helped keep players engaged and motivated to keep playing.

PUBG’s popularity exploded in 2018 when the game was released on mobile platforms in addition to its PC and Xbox versions. The mobile version of the game quickly became one of the most popular mobile games of all time, with millions of downloads and a dedicated player base.

Today, PUBG remains one of the most popular games in the world, with over 70 million copies sold across all platforms as of 2021. The game has inspired countless imitators and competitors, but none have been able to match its level of success and popularity.

The truth we all know

While it’s true that PUBG has had its fair share of issues with game crashes and hackers, it’s also important to acknowledge the significant impact the game has had on the gaming industry as a whole.

Despite the challenges, PUBG managed to become one of the most popular multiplayer games in history, attracting millions of players worldwide and earning a dedicated fan base. The game’s addictive gameplay and competitive mechanics kept players coming back for more, spending countless hours in the game.

PUBG’s success also inspired a new generation of battle royal games, many of which have gone on to become hugely popular in their own right. Games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone have all taken cues from PUBG’s gameplay mechanics and added their twists, creating a diverse and thriving genre of multiplayer games.

Strategies for greatness.

One of the reasons why PUBG has become such a popular game is because of the many features and experiences that it offers to gamers. Here are some of the features of PUBG that have helped create a better user experience:

  • Immersive gameplay: PUBG’s immersive gameplay puts players right in the middle of the action, with a massive island to explore and a range of weapons and vehicles to use. This creates an intense and exciting experience for players, as they navigate the terrain, avoid danger, and compete against other players.
  • Realistic graphics and sound effects: PUBG’s realistic graphics and sound effects create a truly immersive environment that makes players feel like they are really in the game. The attention to detail in the graphics and sound design helps to create a more engaging and realistic experience for players.
  • Wide range of customization options: PUBG offers a wide range of customization options, from character customization to weapon and vehicle customization. This allows players to tailor their gameplay experience to their preferences and helps to keep the game fresh and interesting over time.
  • Regular updates and new content: The developers of PUBG are constantly releasing new updates and content for the game, including new maps, weapons, vehicles, and gameplay modes. This helps to keep the game fresh and exciting for players and shows that the developers are committed to providing a high-quality gaming experience.
  • Cross-platform play: PUBG is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, and mobile. This allows players to play with their friends no matter what platform they are on, creating a more social and connected gaming experience.

PUBG’s combination of immersive gameplay, realistic graphics, and sound, customization options, regular updates, and cross-platform play have all contributed to a better user experience for gamers. These features help to keep players engaged and invested in the game and have helped to make PUBG one of the most popular multiplayer games of all time.

Have you ever been in the middle of a PUBG game, only to have the dreaded message pop up that you’ve been disconnected or the game has crashed? It’s a frustrating experience that can leave players feeling annoyed and disengaged. But here’s the thing — if a game is well-designed with a focus on providing a great user experience, it can actually encourage players to come back even after a crash.

Think about it — if a game is designed with engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and a sense of community, players are more likely to want to jump back in as soon as possible, even if they’ve experienced a hiccup along the way. And that’s exactly what PUBG has managed to do — their thoughtful design has created an experience that players can’t get enough of, and that keeps them coming back for more.

So, the next time you experience a crash or disconnection in PUBG, don’t give up hope. Instead, think about the design of the game and how it’s been created to provide the best possible experience. You may find yourself wanting to jump back in even faster than you thought possible.

At the end of the day

It’s not all about how perfectly developed a game is, or whether or not it’s completely free of bugs or errors. Sure, a game with a complex system is bound to have glitches or hiccups along the way — that’s just the nature of the beast. But what matters is how the game makes the players feel.

Think about it — there are countless gaming systems out there with a few bugs here and there, but some of them are still the best choices for players. Why is that? It’s because these games have managed to tap into something deeper — something that makes players feel truly connected to the game.

So, what is it about your system that makes users feel truly connected and engaged?

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