When gamers think about battle royale titles, PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) immediately comes to mind. It revolutionized the gaming industry, giving players the chance to battle it out online until only one remains. It’s one of the top-selling games of all time. It’s no surprise then to find out that PUBG won Game of the Year at the 2018 Steam Awards.
Some of the other nominees included Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Hitman 2, Monster Hunter: World, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. All of these titles are amazing in their own right and showcase some amazing graphics, yet it was the competitive side of PUBG that secured its victory last year.
So what makes PUBG worthy of this illustrious game award? At the heart, it’s the battle royale online play. Players all across the country on multiple platforms can come together and test their shooting and combat skills. The premise of the game is simple: 100 players parachute into a remote island where they must destroy each other until only one player is left.
The graphics aren’t worth writing home about, but that’s the secret recipe of PUBG. Instead of focusing on every detail, players are locked into battle and having fun with their friends. That’s what gaming should really be about at its core. PUBG also forces action between players, as the stage shrinks little by little as time progresses. At the very end, players have a limited amount of space. It forces epic shoot-outs and fun interactions with players who’ve miraculously lasted for so long.
The weapon loadouts are randomized, so just when you think you’ve adjusted to the map’s layout, you’re left searching frantically again. It’s pretty refreshing and makes things a little fairer, especially for players who’re new to PUBG. Also worth noting are the high-powered weapons located in the cities and military bases. Sure, they can give players a competitive advantage, but traveling to these areas almost always leads to intense combat.
Where PUBG really shines is its accessibility. Players of all ages can jump right in and be successful, whether they’re using a PS4, Xbox One, or PC. You don’t have to be a professional e-sports player to have fun, although this title has made battle royale extremely successful from a financial standpoint.
Out of all the games that came out in 2018, PUBG gives players the best experience in terms of re-playability and competition. For that, PUBG rightfully deserves its Game of the Year Award.
