PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) was created by Brendan Greene, an Irish video game designer. Greene, who was also known by his online alias “PlayerUnknown,” was inspired by mods he had created for other games like DayZ: Battle Royale and ARMA 2. He wanted to create a battle royale game that was realistic and immersive, leading to the development of PUBG. The game was developed and published by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of Bluehole Studio, a South Korean video game company. PUBG was first released in early access in March 2017 and became a massive success, popularising the battle royale genre worldwide. rendan Greene’s journey to creating PUBG began as a hobby. Before PUBG, he wasn’t a game developer by profession; he worked as a web designer and photographer. His foray into game design started when he began experimenting with mods for ARMA 2 and ARMA 3, two military simulation games known for their open-world design. He was drawn to the idea of unpredictable, intense gameplay where survival wasn’t guaranteed, which led him to create his version of the Battle Royale mod. The concept of a shrinking play zone and survival against numerous opponents was inspired by the 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale. Greene’s mod gained attention for its unique take on the survival-shooter genre. His work with these mods, especially with DayZ: Battle Royale, made him a notable figure in the gaming community. It caught the attention of Bluehole Studio, a South Korean game development company. They approached Greene in 2016, offering him the creative lead position to develop a standalone battle royale game, giving him the resources to bring his vision to life. PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) was born out of this collaboration. The game launched in early access in March 2017 and quickly became a phenomenon. It placed 100 players on a massive island where they had to scavenge for weapons, supplies, and vehicles while trying to outlast others, with the game’s signature feature being the shrinking “safe zone” that forced players into tighter, more intense encounters. Key aspects that made PUBG stand out included:
- Massive Open World: PUBG’s map, Erangel, was huge, allowing players to explore various environments like towns, military bases, forests, and fields.
- Realism: The game emphasized realistic combat, weapons, and physics. Players had to consider bullet drop, recoil, and environmental factors.
- Strategic Gameplay: Unlike fast-paced shooters, PUBG required players to think tactically about positioning, stealth, and resource management.
PUBG’s success was groundbreaking. By the end of 2017, it had sold over 30 million copies and held the record for the most concurrent players on Steam, surpassing even games like Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. It also played a major role in the rise of the battle royale genre, influencing later games like Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Apex Legends. Beyond its immediate success, PUBG became a cultural phenomenon. It popularized the battle royale format on both PC and consoles and was soon ported to mobile platforms, which attracted a global audience. It led to the rise of professional esports leagues, tournaments, and content creators dedicated to PUBG. In 2019, Brendan Greene stepped away from active development on PUBG to pursue other projects under PUBG Corporation. His new focus, PUBG Special Projects, aimed at exploring new forms of interactive entertainment. PUBG itself continued to evolve with frequent updates, new maps, modes, and a thriving competitive scene. PUBG’s impact on gaming has been enduring. It was not only a trailblazer for battle royale but also helped establish the formula that other developers have since adopted. As of 2021, PUBG had generated billions in revenue and remained one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.
FAQs About PUBG and Its Creator, Brendan Greene
1. What is PUBG? PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is an online multiplayer battle royale game where up to 100 players fight to be the last one standing. Players parachute onto an island, scavenge for weapons, and eliminate opponents while the play area shrinks over time, forcing encounters. 2. Who invented PUBG? PUBG was created by Brendan Greene, an Irish game designer, who is also known by his online alias “PlayerUnknown.” He worked with Bluehole Studio, a South Korean company, to develop the game. 3. What inspired Brendan Greene to create PUBG? Brendan Greene was inspired by the Japanese movie Battle Royale and his experience with modding games like ARMA 2, ARMA 3, and DayZ. His goal was to create a realistic, intense survival-shooter game with an unpredictable ending every time. 4. When was PUBG released? PUBG was first released in early access for PC on March 23, 2017, and the full version came out on December 20, 2017. It has since been released on multiple platforms, including consoles and mobile devices. 5. Why is PUBG so popular? PUBG became popular due to its large-scale, intense gameplay, realistic combat mechanics, and the element of unpredictability. Its battle royale format, where players fight to survive in an ever-shrinking play area, caught on quickly with gamers worldwide. 6. What platforms can I play PUBG on? PUBG is available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and mobile devices (Android and iOS). It was later adapted for PUBG Mobile, which became a global hit in the mobile gaming market. 7. How is PUBG different from other battle royale games? PUBG focuses on realistic combat mechanics such as bullet drop, weapon recoil, and survival tactics. Unlike other games that emphasize fast-paced arcade-style action, PUBG requires careful strategy, teamwork (in squad mode), and resource management. 8. How much did Brendan Greene contribute to the battle royale genre? Brendan Greene is considered a pioneer of the battle royale genre. His mods in ARMA 2 and DayZ laid the foundation for what would eventually become PUBG. His work significantly influenced later games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone. 9. Did Brendan Greene continue working on PUBG after its release? Brendan Greene stepped away from active development of PUBG in 2019 to pursue other creative projects. He now leads PUBG Special Projects, a division focusing on new forms of interactive entertainment and gaming experiences. 10. Is PUBG still popular today? Yes, PUBG remains a popular game with millions of players worldwide. It has a strong player base, especially in the competitive and esports scenes, and PUBG Mobile continues to dominate the mobile gaming industry. 11. What are some of PUBG’s biggest achievements? PUBG broke several records, including the most concurrent players on Steam at its peak and selling over 70 million copies globally. It helped launch the battle royale craze, inspiring other hit games in the genre. 12. Has PUBG won any awards? Yes, PUBG has won numerous awards, including Best Multiplayer Game at The Game Awards in 2017, and several accolades for innovation, technical achievement, and its impact on the gaming industry.
