Krafton Strengthens Battlegrounds, Announces 2022 Development Roadmap

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Krafton announced the major development plans for 'PUBG: Battlegrounds' (hereafter Battlegrounds) for 2022 on the 24th.

Starting from the second quarter of 2022, a major update of maps will be carried out, including restoring the Sanhok map to its original state at launch and unveiling a new large map called 'Kiki' (tentative name). Additionally, the release of a new 7.62mm assault rifle (AR), a revamp of the weapon mastery system, and improvements to the training ground and arcade mode are also planned.

First, the Sanhok map, which had been continuously updated to show a modernized appearance, will return to its original launch state following player requests. The initial version of Sanhok is currently undergoing stabilization work and is scheduled to be updated in the second quarter.

Moreover, in the third quarter of this year, a large 8x8 size map called 'Kiki', the same size as Miramar, will be introduced. The newly appearing wetlands feature water up to the character's ankles and thick cover, which is expected to enable stealthy approaches and engagements between players. Exclusive vehicles and features for Kiki will also be added, including the 'Airboat', which can travel on both land and sea, and the 'Ascender', which allows rapid movement over long distances in specific areas.

The release of a new firearm is also anticipated. The new weapon under development, targeting a second-quarter release, is a 7.62mm assault rifle that improves upon the relatively high handling difficulty of existing 7.62mm weapons. Furthermore, the growth-oriented 'Mastery System' content will be revamped in the third quarter.

Training ground content will also be improved. Spaces for one-on-one training in environments similar to real combat and areas for player versus player (PvP) battle practice are scheduled to be added in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Krafton is advancing the professional Battlegrounds tournaments. By linking pre-season, regional, and global tournaments, they aim to increase the popularity of each event and significantly expand the number of participating teams by country, fostering a balanced global fandom.

Additionally, Krafton plans to boldly invest in esports tournaments this year. Starting with the pre-season, they will hold club competitions progressing through regional, zonal, and global stages, and are preparing the 'Nations Cup', a World Cup-level event where elite rosters from each country will compete fiercely.