A lot is going on in the world of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. Thanks to a PUBG leaker, there may be some more clarity on the future of the franchise and what to expect moving forward. PUBG 2 is reportedly still a thing that is set to arrive in 2022, and meanwhile the newly announced PUBG: New State is an entirely separate mobile-only experience.
PUBG: New State was just announced a few days ago as an Android and iOS exclusive. The game is set in 2051, and its trailer looks rather impressive, perhaps a bit beyond the prototypical mobile game. Because of this, some fans were confused as to whether or not PUBG: New State is technically PUBG 2, and if the game would be headed to consoles and PC as a result. However, based on leaks it appears that PUBG: New State is a mobile-exclusive title while the true sequel to PUBG is headed to consoles and PC next year.
PlayerIGN on Twitter is a leaker for games like PUBG and Valorant, and he recently spilled the beans on details about PUBG: New State as well as the true sequel to the original PUBG. According to PlayerIGN, PUBG 2 is currently in development for console, PC, and mobile, and the game and will support cross-platform play. Recently the developer of PUBG asked fans what features they would like to see in the game, so perhaps it is planning to implement some of those elements into the sequel.
PlayerIGN also did some digging and found that PUBG: New State is a mobile-exclusive with futuristic weapons, a brand-new map, and more. New State is set to launch later this year, and while the messaging may be a bit confusing, PUBG, PUBG: New State, and PUBG 2 seem to be three separate entities. PUBG Mobile does receive constant updates, but New State looks to be a giant step beyond a simple update.
All of this is ambitious for PUBG Corp. While the battle royale genre was not necessarily started with PUBG, the mode very much blew up in popularity with that game and was the entry point for many. However, other games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone took over in terms of popularity. Now PUBG Corp. seems to be putting things in place to make sure that PUBG is not left in the dust by the best battle royale games out there. If the developer plays its cards right, a proper sequel that brings the game more in line with modern mechanics, along with a great mobile experience, could catapult PUBG back into glory.
PUBG: New State releases on Android and iOS devices in 2021. PUBG 2 is rumored to be in development.