PUBG gaming fever spreads, city tournaments organised

“I met a middle-aged auto driver recently - married with two kids - who was completely addicted to PUBG Mobile gaming. From joining groups, fighting opponents, getting wounded and taking rest, the game offers an alternate, more adventurous dimension to life that gets you hooked. Anyone with a basic smartphone can be a part of this world, and that is PUBG’s biggest win,” said Darshan Udayakumar, game designer at Hammerplay Studios.

From a two-million-dollar cash prize in the global tournament organised by PUBG Mobile Club Open 2019 in March to a cash price of Rs 20,000 organised by Nungambakkam-based Arknemesis Gaming India, the competition and rewards that come with the game are aplenty

Sudharshan, E-Games Manager of Arknemesis Gaming India, said, “We expected 300 entries for the two-day tournament we organised in Phoenix Market City. Around 800 people showed up. We picked 20 people from batches of 100, and the next day the best 100 battled it out. Typically, 10 to 20-year-olds participate, so a cash price of Rs 20,000 is huge for them at this age.”

According to Anish Babu, owner of Nungambakkam- based League of Extraordinary Gamers, PUBG Mobile has quickly gained speed in just one year and earned itself a permanent spot in the top three most popular online games of all time. He also adds that the game is a first of its kind, fully evolved game, that offers a new world that children in particular can feel that they can show off their skills in. “Also, the children can form groups, establish friends and communicate also, so that is a big draw,” he added.

Observing that parents support their kids by being with them in tournaments, picking and dropping them off, which is unheard, Sudharshan said, “They recognise that the game is enhancing the communication skills of their kid, and participating in competitions is helping them aspire to something, and encourage their children.”

“It is like no other online game, the PUBG world is holistic and has many realistic dimensions to it. The weapons used have names of real guns, the groups establish strong friendships and teamwork is required to win. It is not just a trend, the game will be around for a long time to come,” said game designer Darshan.