Fans of PUBG: Battlegrounds gathered in droves this past week, as Krafton celebrated the game’s 8th anniversary with an exciting fan festival in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The event coincided with an impressive surge in player engagement, with the game reaching a peak of 1,338,708 concurrent users on Steam, the highest it has seen in seven years.
On March 23, 2025, at 9:25 PM Korean time, PUBG topped previous records of concurrent players, a moment marking the game's significant impact on the battle royale genre since its launch in 2017. Cumulatively, the game has surpassed 4 trillion won in sales on PC alone, a testament to its fruitful run in the global gaming market.
Krafton’s effort to commemorate its milestone was visible through the various interactive experiences they set up for fans throughout the festival, which took place from March 21 to March 23. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with numerous activities designed to immerse them in PUBG's unique universe. Attractions included shooting, agility, concentration, and assembly training booths that drew long queues, with some fans waiting over 30 minutes just to participate.
Among the most popular experiences was the 'Zombie Taming Crew' booth, where participants could win prizes ranging from PUBG-themed cushions to a maximum of 10,000 G-coins, Razer gaming gear, and even Samsung SSDs. Kim Seong-hee, a dedicated PUBG player with four years of experience, expressed enthusiasm after winning 3000 G-coins, saying, "I felt it was unique and fun to try farming in real life since I do it in the game.”
The event catered not only to hardcore gamers but also to families, as many attendees came with their loved ones. Choi Moon-il, who visited with his four-year-old daughter, reflected, "I wanted my daughter to experience the gaming culture that we enjoy as parents." This blend of family inclusion highlighted the festival's diverse appeal.
Every hour of the event, fans could join in 5vs5 matches at the 'Blind Spot' experience zone, an area where players could team up or compete individually. Excitement was palpable as initial registration slots filled up quickly, leading to the issuance of waiting numbers for eager participants wanting to join the fray.
As the last day of the festival arrived on March 23, special celebrity guests and influencers also made appearances, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. They engaged with fans through live Q&A sessions, trivia games, and other enjoyable performances. A magic show starring famous magician Choi Hyun-woo was among the featured programs, bringing an extra layer of engagement to the festivities.
Bringing the festival to a close, Krafton demonstrated their commitment to their fanbase not only by hosting the event but also by providing various in-game rewards and promotions linked to the 8th anniversary celebrations. The game saw an influx of renewed interest and engagement, fueled by new content updates and an in-game reward system that incentivized players to return during the anniversary period.
The overwhelming success of this year’s anniversary event illustrates PUBG’s everlasting relevance and its ability to adapt in a dynamic gaming landscape. Since its inception, the game has evolved and maintained its foothold in popular culture, attracting both new and returning players alike. As players continue to flock back to enjoy the game, the future seems bright for PUBG, with Krafton promising further updates and innovations to keep the excitement alive.
Overall, the festival was not only a celebration of eight years of gameplay but a reminder of the community that has formed around PUBG: Battlegrounds. The game's remarkable journey, its monumental presence in the industry, and the enthusiastic fan response showcase the continued appeal of battle royale gaming across the globe. With strong projections for continued player engagement, Krafton seems poised for more milestones in the years ahead.
