PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has had a profound impact on the FPS and battle royale genres since it was released by PUBG in 2017. Based on the survival gameplay concept introduced by Brendan "PlayerUnknown" Greene in the mod, "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" popularized the battle royale mode on a large scale. In PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, up to 100 players parachute onto an island, search for weapons and equipment, and fight to the last man standing to win as the playable area shrinks.

• Jump start: The player takes a plane over the island map and parachutes to land at the chosen location.
• Loot Equipment: After landing, players need to quickly search buildings, containers, and equipment and weapons on the ground, including firearms, ammunition, medical supplies, body armor, and backpacks.
• Survival tactics: Once equipped, players need to keep moving to adapt to changes in the safe zone while avoiding being killed by other players. The safe zone shrinks, forcing players to meet and fight.
• Environment adaptation: Players react to changing environments in the game, including weather changes, terrain differences, and the actions of other players.
• Combat: During the course of the game, encounters with other players are almost inevitable. Players can choose to engage, ambush, or avoid combat to preserve strength.
• Safety Zone Shrink: As the game progresses, the safety zone will shrink, and players will be damaged if they stay in the gas zone, so they must move to the safety zone.
• Last Survival: The ultimate goal of the game is to become the last survivor or surviving team. As players are eliminated, the final battle for survival takes place in a very small area. 

Using the AGE model to deconstruct PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, we observe how aesthetics, gameplay, and emotion combine to deliver a unique gaming experience. The game's aesthetic provides a realistic survival backdrop, enhanced by reducing the tension of safe zones. Gameplay is strategic and unpredictable; players must quickly adapt to changing environments and enemies. Emotionally, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds evokes a range of feelings, from the thrill of a narrow escape to victory over dozens of people. This fusion pushes PUBG to the forefront of battle royale.

The success of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds had a revolutionary impact on the FPS genre, mainly by popularizing the battle royale mode. It introduces a novel survival gaming experience that is different from traditional FPS games, emphasizing strategic gameplay rather than quick reactions. PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds' large open-world map and shrinking game area create a more unpredictable and immersive experience. Its impact can be seen in the integration of battle royale modes into existing and new FPS games, reflecting shifts in player preferences and the gaming landscape. The success of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds has also sparked new discussions about game design, player stickiness and community building.