PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, in a reversal of roles, is following in Fortnite's footsteps and implementing what it's calling an "Event Mode." Like in Fortnite, PUBG's Event Mode will be a periodically changing game-type allowing PUBG Corp. to experiment with fun and unique gameplay. PUBG players won't have to wait too long. The Event Mode's first custom game-type will start later this week.

The first event available to play in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds will be rather simple, as PUBG Corp. wants to ensure a smooth start for the system. In the new mode, players will be able to play with up to 8-man squads, doubling the typical 4-man limit. The mode will also double the rifle drop-rate, ensuring that large squads can drop together in the same area and still find a reasonable amount of gear. The mode is also limited to TPP on Erangel, just to guarantee efficient matchmaking.

While this initial game-type is straightforward, PUBG Corp. promises that forthcoming events will be worth excitedly waiting for:

"Using the Event Mode, players will be able have Battle Royale experiences otherwise not available in the public matches. But it’s designed to be much more than just a preset Custom Game, as Event Mode will feature new content, much of it available in the game only for a limited time."

PUBG Corp. didn't hint at any of its plans regarding forthcoming game-types or what kind of content could be featured, but it did have something else to share. The company teased an image of the previously datamined Flare Gun, saying the feature would be a big part of the "next iteration." Perhaps the flare gun could cause a spark both in standard play and in the next event.

Rotating events in online games, particularly Games-As-A Service titles, have been a popular feature for some time now. Popular games including Overwatch, Destiny, League of Legends, and more recently Fortnite, offer examples of how to implement rotating events that enliven gameplay. If anything, it's surprising that PUBG has taken so long to implement an Event Mode. But this isn't the only way PUBG's development continues to struggle after its sudden staggering success.

Yet PUBG Corp. is clearly picking up steam. The company revealed its development roadmap for 2018 in the past month, revealing plans for new maps, content additions, and feature reworks. The Event Mode wasn't even listed as part of that roadmap, showing that the company's plans are even more robust than previously stated. And if the Event Mode reveal wasn't enough, PlayerUnknown himself showed off PUBG's new map at GDC earlier today.

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds is available now on Android and iOS devices, PC, and Xbox One.

Source: Steam