When Did PUBG Come Out?
PUBG is now a global sensation, available on three platforms (PC, Xbox One and Mobile) and still receiving regular updates from its developers. Much like many modern games though, the game has had a confusing release schedule, first launching onto Steam’s Early Access before launching officially late last year. So when exactly did PUBG come out?
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds was released for Microsoft Windows on March 23, 2017, as part of Steam’s Early Access programme. The game was noticeably different to what it is today, with a single map and no in-game vaulting. The core mechanics were there though, with 100 players dropping onto the same map and avoiding an ever-encroaching blue circle of death. The Early Access version for the Xbox One was released on Dec 12, 2017, as part of the Xbox Game Preview Programme.
On Dec 20, 2017, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds received its full launch. The game left Early Access and released with a host of new features including vaulting and a whole new desert themed map called Miramar. The Xbox One version of the game is still part of the Xbox Game Preview programme, and has yet to see a full launch, with it lagging far behind its PC counterpart in terms of features. On March 19, 2017, PUBG launched onto Android and iOS devices. The bite-sized version of the battle royale shooter features the same core gameplay of the main game, but with a few subtle differences.
Every version of PUBG continues to be supported by PUBG Corp, with features being added each month, alongside bug fixes and optimization tweaks. Since launch we’ve seen new maps, modes and weapons slowly introduced to the game, along with anti-cheat measures and balancing. The Xbox One version of the game has just received the game’s second map Miramar, with the desert-themed map having launched on test servers recently.
For more on PUBG be sure to check out our wiki guide.