Stage 2: Battle Royale
The competitive gaming landscape has recently welcomed the battle royale genre, which has quickly gained traction. Building on the elements of first-person shooters (FPS), titles such as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) and Fortnite exemplify this. However, battle royale encompasses a wider array of gameplay mechanics and a distinct mix of skill and chance.
Contrary to common belief, the battle royale format extends beyond simple deathmatch or last-man-standing scenarios, which have roots in earlier FPS games. The genre took inspiration from Koushun Takami’s novel, along with its manga and film adaptations, both titled ‘Battle Royale’. The defining motifs of this genre align with the title, and those less familiar with Takami’s work might recognize similarities to ‘The Hunger Games’, which conveyed a parallel battle concept in a Western context. Unlike ‘The Hunger Games’, however, battle royale games feature a predetermined starting location for all players, providing a base of equipment.
Brendan Greene, also known by his gamer tag PlayerUnknown, is a pivotal figure in the development of the battle royale genre. His journey began with DayZ, a mod for the military simulation titles Arma 2 and Arma 3, and he later contributed to the standalone title H1Z1: King of the Hill. Although Greene worked on several battle royale games, PUBG is particularly noted for its impact on the gaming community. At its peak, Bluehole, the company behind PUBG, became a hallmark of lucrative investments in South Korea, particularly after Tencent acquired a stake in the company, valuing it at nearly KRW4.7 trillion (£3.2 billion/€3.5 billion/$4.3 billion).
Epic Games further enhanced the genre's popularity with Fortnite, which generated $318 million in revenue in May 2018 alone through in-game microtransactions from its free-to-play model. Fortnite distinguished itself by its creative gameplay, featuring a more vibrant graphics style and the ability for players to construct structures as part of their strategy. The game also transformed into a social hub, hosting concerts and movies, and integrating cross-promotional ties with franchises like Marvel’s Avengers.
The term ‘battle royale’ has become a marketing buzzword, frequently used despite varying interpretations among developers. To be classified as a battle royale, certain gameplay elements are essential: multiple players or teams must strive to be the last standing, the playing area shrinks over time, players start without equipment and must scavenge to survive, and there should be no disparities in player capabilities.
Interestingly, some unconventional games, such as Pac-Man Battle Royale, have also fulfilled the genre requirements. However, within esports, only a select few titles are recognized as battle royale games, including:
– H1Z1 [PC]
– PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) [PC]
– PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG Mobile) [Mobile]
– Fortnite [PC]
– Free Fire [Mobile]
– Call of Duty: Warzone (COD:WZ) [PC/PS4/XBox]
While some argue that battle royale belongs to the FPS genre, its unique mechanics justify its classification as a separate genre. Unlike the mostly linear deathmatch formats, battle royale games utilize an expansive and gradually compressing play area, demanding players adapt their strategies extensively.
Battle royale maps are significantly larger than traditional FPS maps. For instance, Fortnite’s typical play area is approximately 5.6 square kilometers, compared to CS:GO’s Mirage map, which is about 0.12 square kilometers, making Fortnite’s map nearly 47 times more extensive. PUBG’s Erangel map is around 64 square kilometers, showcasing even greater expanses.
Players typically start onboard an aircraft that randomly traverses the map, requiring them to decide when to jump and land. This adds an initial layer of strategy as they scout landing zones relative to other players. An essential element of battle royale gameplay is the shrinking play area, where players must move to avoid taking damage, driving confrontations and necessitating map familiarity as starting positions vary.
Scavenging is a foundational aspect of battle royale as players begin without any equipment. They must search the map for resources or defeat others to gain supplies. What players find is generally random and may require strategic inventory management, as many games impose limits on how much equipment one can carry.
The random nature of item locations introduces an element of chance, adding unpredictability to the skill-based gameplay of battle royale games. While luck can influence outcomes, skilled players often dominate less proficient competitors. Unlike poker, where chance plays a larger role, skilled battle royale players have clear advantages that can overcome mere luck.
Most battle royale titles are played from a third-person perspective, allowing wider visibility that can prove advantageous. Many mechanics and skills from FPS games remain relevant in battle royale contexts, including map memory, weapon mastery, and awareness of surroundings. Professionals in this genre often come from FPS backgrounds, bringing essential skills to the table.
This genre encourages a vast array of strategies. Players might opt for aggressive play, stealth, or other tactics depending on their approach. The larger maps and mechanics allow for more complex gameplay that isn't typically found in straightforward FPS titles. This diversity can complicate tournament structures and betting scenarios due to the extended duration of matches. However, the intricacies of battle royale make for engaging content that captivates viewers, offering a rich experience distinct from recurring FPS gameplay.
