What Game Came Before PUBG?
The battle royale genre has taken the gaming world by storm, and no game has been more synonymous with it than PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). With its massive player base and widespread popularity, PUBG has become a household name. But, did you know that it’s not the first game in this genre? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of battle royale games and uncover which game came before PUBG.
The Origin of Battle Royale Games
Battle royale games can trace their roots back to Japan in the early 2000s. Harold Lee‘s Battle Royale is often credited as the inspiration for the genre. Written in 1999, the novel tells the story of a group of students who are forced to participate in a deadly game, where the last one standing wins. This concept eventually made its way to gaming, with the first video game adaptation being Byron Preiss’s 2000 game "Battle Royale".
Early Battle Royale Games
H1Z1, a survival game developed by Daybreak Game Company, was one of the first standalone battle royale games. Released in 2015, it was a direct inspiration for PUBG’s development. H1Z1 allowed up to 100 players to fight it out in a massive map, and was known for its simple graphics and fast-paced gameplay. Although it was released early, H1Z1 didn’t have the same level of popularity as PUBG.
PUBG’s Roots
PUBG, developed by Bluehole, was released in March 2017 and became an instant hit. It was created by Brendan "PlayerUnknown" Greene, a game developer who played a significant role in popularizing the battle royale genre. PUBG took inspiration from H1Z1 and other games in the genre, and incorporated its own unique mechanics and features.
Comparing PUBG and H1Z1
Here are some key differences and similarities between PUBG and H1Z1:
| PUBG | H1Z1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | Realistic first-person shooter gameplay, slower pace | Fast-paced first-person shooter gameplay |
| Graphics | Detailed 3D graphics | Simple 3D graphics |
| Players | Up to 100 players | Up to 100 players |
| Map | Large maps with varied terrain | Simple maps with minimal terrain features |
| Reboot | PUBG released a reboot in 2020, titled "New State Mobile" | No reboot |
Influence on the Gaming Industry
PUBG’s popularity has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It has inspired numerous games to adopt the battle royale genre, and many have followed in its footsteps. Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone are just a few examples of games that have borrowed from PUBG’s playbook. The genre has also branched out to include Mobile and Esports aspects, cementing its place as one of the most popular and enduring gaming trends of all time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while PUBG is often credited with popularizing the battle royale genre, H1Z1 came before it and played a significant role in its development. The battle royale genre has come a long way since its early beginnings, and it will be interesting to see where it goes from here. Will PUBG continue to be the dominant force in the genre, or will other games rise to take its place? Only time will tell.