A few days ago, it was announced that large Chinese video game publisher Tencent would be bringing the wildly popularPlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundsto China in an official capacity. Today the company announced that not only is it releasingPlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundsin the region, it is also creating a mobile version of the game.
Tencent didn’t reveal which mobile platforms it’s bringingPlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundsto, though one has to imagine that both Android and iOS devices will be represented. Tencent also didn’t reveal howPUBGwould be altered for it to work on a mobile platform, but fans should expect more details on that front in the coming months. While Tencent was light on details when it comes to itsPUBGmobile port, it did confirm that this version of the game would be released in China first.
If the mobile port ofPlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundsis high quality, it’s likely that the game will also make its way stateside and to other regions. After all,PUBGis one of the most popular video games currently available,shattering concurrent player records on Steamand selling over 20 million copies at last count. Considering its popularity, it would make sense for developer PUBG Corporation (a subsidiary of Bluehole) to bring it to as many platforms as possible.
However, if the mobile port ofPlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundsis a flop, then it may stay exclusive to China. We have no idea what kind of changes Tencent will have to implement to makePUBGplay well on a mobile platform, and it could potentially compromise the spirit of the game. Similar concerns have been raised about other modifications Tencent is making toPUBG, includingalterations to promote “socialist core values"in order for it to release in China.
Assuming the mobile port ofPUBGis a success, the game will become a true powerhouse and has potential to break video game sales records. Alternatively, Tencent may opt to ditchPUBG’s initial asking price and make a profit using the game’s loot box system and microtransactions. Either way, it’s hard to see how a mobile version ofPUBGwon’t be a big moneymaker for everyone involved.
On top of the mobile game and the landmark PC release,PlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundsis also scheduled to make its console debut sooner rather than later. As announced at E3 earlier this year,PUBGis releasing in early access as anXbox One console exclusiveon December 12th. Out of all the versions of the game, it will be interesting to see which one becomes the most popular when it’s all said and done.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegroundsis available now in early access on PC, and is coming to Xbox One early access on December 12th. Additionally, a mobile version of the game is in development.
