Cover-Credits:
PUBG Mobile is set to debut as a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games in September. The popular battle royale will be played alongside traditional sports in Hangzhou, China later this year but it will be very different from the game that we all know. There will be no battle royale involved and players will have to participate in racing and shooting competitions within the game.
Violence in PUBG Mobile can “harm the harmony” between nations
When Krafton was developing the Asian Games-exclusive version of PUBG Mobile, it changed the gameplay completely. Instead of the signature battle royale mode, teams compete in groups of four where they showcase driving and shooting skills.
The reason behind the direct combat being removed from the game is unknown. South Korean news outlet Money Today reported that the Asian Games’ organizing committee felt that the event was one that promoted friendship between countries and showcasing violence may hinder it.
This version of PUBG Mobile we will get to see is not exactly what most fans were hoping for, but it is still a step forward for esports. Seven other games will be included as part of the esports medal event at the Asian Games. They are:
Arena of Valor (Asian Games version)
Dota 2
Dream Three Kingdoms 2
FIFA
Hearthstone
League of Legends
Street Fighter V
PUBG Mobile is not the only game that is being tweaked for the upcoming international sporting event. Arena of Valor will also see some gameplay changes. The game will have a reduced amount of socialization, commercialization, and non-battle systems. It will be interesting to see how games like Arena of Valor and PUBG Mobile turn out with most of their core gameplay mechanics being changed.
Tencent Games told Dot Esports in March 2022, “In accordance with the sportsmanship and the Olympics vision, the PUBG Mobile Asian Games version will integrate the iconic gameplay of PUBG Mobile and real-sport game experience, which we hope will bring the most unique excitement for our audience.”
This year’s Asian Games is set to kick off on 10th September and the two-week event will conclude on 25th September. While esports was included as a demonstration event in 2018’s Asian Games, this will be the first time that it will be included as a traditional “medal event.”
