Krafton has unveiled three titles at Gamescom 2024: Dark and Darker Mobile, inZOI, and PUBG. While the focus is on promoting Dark and Darker Mobile and inZOI prior to their release, PUBG is being celebrated as a space for longtime players to come together and enjoy the game.
Despite being a dominant force in the battle royale genre, PUBG faces increasing competition from new shooting titles entering the market, challenging its position.
With the shooting genre becoming more competitive due to various sub-genres emerging, such as team-based shooters, tactical FPS, hero shooters, and extraction shooters, Gamescom 2024 provides an opportunity to explore PUBG’s vision in its seventh year of operation.
At Gamescom this year, along with the introduction of your new titles, inZOI and Dark and Darker Mobile, PUBG is also being showcased in its seventh year. What was the reason behind featuring PUBG at this event, considering the newer games may attract more attention?
While we are proud to present Krafton’s flagship IPs, our primary objective is to engage with PUBG fans in the Western market, particularly in Europe. Through our presence at Gamescom and the hosting of PUBG HOT DROP Cologne 2024, we aim to interact directly with our community and collaborate with influencers. Our goal is to enhance player engagement globally and improve communication.
There are events like shooting challenges and PUBG Steam playtime verification happening at your booth. Could you provide a brief overview of the programs you have prepared?
Visitors can participate in challenges at our booth, resembling PUBG’s shooting range, to win exclusive merchandise based on their performance. Additionally, players verifying their playtime in PUBG can receive in-game item coupons, with long-term players having the chance to earn rewards up to 50,000 G-Coins.
In Korea, events and programs usually revolve around influencers. However, Gamescom seems to focus more on individual players. What could be the rationale behind this shift in approach?
Having been absent from Gamescom for some time, we wanted to show appreciation to our European PUBG players. Thus, our programs are designed to be inclusive, allowing any PUBG enthusiast to easily participate and receive exclusive merchandise and in-game items.
Recently, there have been notable collaborations like the one with Lamborghini. Are there plans for collaborations targeting the European market specifically?
Vehicle collaborations are popular globally, and we plan to continue these partnerships. Looking ahead, we aim to expand collaboration content that can be enjoyed by PUBG players worldwide. By gathering feedback through surveys, we are committed to making these collaborations a reality.
Regarding Project Black Budget using the PUBG IP and the potential introduction of an extraction mode in PUBG, could you share any insights?
PUBG will continue to provide engaging updates while maintaining its core battle royale essence. With extensive experience in the genre, we believe that battle royale-focused gameplay offers the most immersive experience for players. Our goal is to enhance the existing content loved by players while exploring new modes that offer both high-stakes action and relaxed experiences for friends to enjoy.
In the past, PUBG led the battle royale genre, but now faces competition from various shooter genres. How does PUBG view this competition and what strategies are in place to stay ahead?
As new genres emerge, PUBG continues to maintain a strong player base and steady traffic. The challenge lies in reinforcing PUBG’s position as the go-to game amidst rising competition. While numerical success is important, preserving PUBG’s core values and strengthening community relations are paramount. Our aim is for players to recognize PUBG as the ultimate choice for gameplay, ensuring its enduring appeal across generations.
Our goal is to maintain PUBG’s status as a beloved game by continuously improving services and expanding communication channels. Transitioning to Unreal Engine 5 will facilitate the introduction of new content, enhancing the overall gaming experience. We are dedicated to evolving PUBG alongside our players, with a focus on long-term satisfaction and enjoyment.
Looking ahead, what is PUBG’s vision for the future as it continues to evolve?
While the future is uncertain, PUBG remains committed to serving its diverse player base globally. Our focus is on meeting the needs of our fans and addressing new challenges that may arise. Through initiatives like transitioning to Unreal Engine 5, we aim to enhance the gaming experience, introduce new content, and expand communication channels. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that PUBG remains a game cherished by players for years to come.
Reflecting on your experience at Gamescom this year, what are your thoughts?
Returning to Gamescom after several years has been a nostalgic journey for us. Our main objective this year is to connect closely with our PUBG players, engage in meaningful discussions, and make this event memorable for all participants.