PUBG Mobile to not feature battle royale mode in Asian Games 2022

The Asian Games version of the mobile shooter PUBG Mobile will not feature battle royale mode, as revealed by game developer Krafton in a report.

According to the report of Money Today from South Korea, a statement from a Krafton official has disclosed that the Asian Games version of PUBG Mobile will not have "person-to-person shooting," the key element of the mobile battle royale game. Instead, teams in a group of 4 will compete in driving and shooting skills.

While the primary reason for removing the battle royale mode from the PUBG Mobile Asian Games version is unclear, the report said that this is due to concerns that it would "harm the harmony" between countries.

Based on the loosely translated statement of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in the report, they suggested that "since the Asian Games is an event that promotes friendship between countries, let's remove the interpersonal shooting factor that can hinder it."

Recently, PUBG Mobile released the version 1.9 update, which includes a shooting range where players can practice and obtain points based on precision. There's also a new racing mode.

The Asian Games may have a similar format, providing players with a competitive experience while avoiding person-to-person shooting.

"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," game company Tencent told media outlet Dot Esports.

For the first time in Asiad history, esports will be recognized as an official medal sport at the 19th Asian Games, set to take place in Hangzhou, China, in September 2022. The esports titles included in the medal events of the 2022 Asian Games are PUBG Mobile, Arena of Valor (AoV), Dota 2, League of Legends (LoL), Dream Three Kingdoms 2, Hearthstone, Street Fighter V, and FIFA.

In September last year, the Olympic Council of Asia has announced that the mobile MOBA game Arena of Valor and battle royale shooter PUBG Mobile will have separate Asian Games versions.