PUBG Director on Game’s Community Impact
PUBG: Battlegrounds has marked its seventh anniversary, continuing to thrive as a leading battle royale game. The title's success isn't just due to its gameplay mechanics but also its deep connection with its global community. PUBG Director Taehyun Kim speaks on the game's community impact, sharing insights on how the community has significantly shaped its journey and ongoing development.
The Importance of Community
In an interview, Taehyun Kim emphasized the critical role that players have played in the evolution of PUBG. “The key thing that I’ve learned over the past seven years is how important fans are,” Kim stated. He acknowledged the diverse global audience that PUBG attracts and how it drives the development team to continually create content that resonates across various cultures and gaming preferences.
Engaging with Players
Taehyun Kim, who has been with PUBG since its early days in 2016, spoke about the importance of direct communication with the player base. He has stepped out of his comfort zone to engage with fans more openly, even participating in live streams to interact with the community. “I’m a developer, not a professional emcee, so I was afraid. But I think, of course, it is difficult, but I need to keep challenging myself,” Kim shared, highlighting his commitment to staying connected with players.
This engagement extended to PUBG: Hot Drop Cologne, an event where fans could meet the game’s developers and special guests. For Kim, this was a vital step in connecting with Western players and expanding his communication efforts beyond his native Korean audience.
Building a Community
Kim also discussed the importance of fostering connections among players within the game itself. August saw the introduction of Clan Month, where players could join clans, participate in challenges, and earn rewards together. This initiative was designed to create a community-driven environment, allowing players to team up, complete missions, and enhance their gaming experience through collaboration.
“For the clan system, what we want to offer to our players is to create an environment where they can create a new community and enjoy the game together,” Kim explained. This approach reinforces the importance of camaraderie and teamwork, key elements that have kept PUBG's community vibrant and engaged.
Consistent Updates and Player Feedback
Kim highlighted the necessity of regular updates to keep the community active. He mentioned that while player feedback is essential, it must be balanced with the game’s core design philosophy. “Our theme is survival, so we do not want to undermine this core gameplay,” he noted, underscoring the need to stay true to the game's original vision while incorporating player suggestions.
Looking forward, PUBG has several exciting updates in the pipeline, including a zombie mode and a long-term upgrade to Unreal Engine 5. These developments, coupled with continuous community engagement, ensure that PUBG will remain a significant player in the gaming world.
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