The Birth and Evolution of Battle Royale Games

The term 'Battle Royale' has become a ubiquitous part of modern gaming, but it’s a misconception that PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) is the first game to introduce this unique genre. While PUBG played a significant role in popularizing battle royale games, it is by no means the first. In this article, we will explore the origins of battle royale games and the evolution that led to the games we know today.

Origins in Film and Gaming

The concept of battle royale games can be traced back to the 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale. This film introduced the idea of a survival game where n players battle each other to the death on a shrinking island. While the film does not use the term 'Battle Royale,' it laid the foundation for the genre.

Premature Arrival of Battle Royale in Gaming

Before the release of PUBG in 2017, there were already several games that introduced aspects of the battle royale format. For example, Battlefield 3 (2011), Battlefield 1943 (2009), and Battlefield 2142 (2006) included various multi-player and team deathmatch (TDM) modes. However, these games did not fully implement the battle royale format as we understand it today, where players start PvP (Player versus Player) combat with a limited number of opponents isolated in a specific area.

Premiere of PUBG

Although PUBG was released in early access in 2017, it was not the first battle royale game. The game H1Z1, a success in the battle royale genre, was released in 2016. Meanwhile, another game named Scarecrow Fall was also in similar format to battle royale. The H1Z1 version of the genre brought a much more realistic and immersive experience to the battlefield, and PUBG further enhanced the genre with its enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics.

Fortnite's Journey to Battle Royale

Fortnite is often criticized for stealing the idea from other games, but the truth is that the battle royale mode was only added to Fortnite in September 2017. Before that, Fortnite was primarily known for its sandbox building mode and an older TDM mode. The addition of the battle royale mode was a strategic move to capitalize on the popularity of games like PUBG and H1Z1.

Evolution of Battle Royale Games

The success of PUBG and H1Z1 led to an explosion in the battle royale game genre. Games such as APEX Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege soon followed. Today, the battle royale genre is richer and more diverse, with each game offering its own unique take on the format.

While the question of who came first in the battle royale genre may be disputable, the impact of these games cannot be denied. Whether you are a fan of PUBG, Fortnite, or any other battle royale game, it’s important to appreciate the evolution of this exciting genre, and to look forward to what the future holds.

Conclusion: The battle royale genre is a fascinating blend of strategy, luck, and adrenaline. While PUBG played a pivotal role in popularizing the genre, it is part of a larger evolution that began long before 2017. If you're a fan of battle royale games, enjoy the hype and prepare for the games yet to come.