PUBG Mobile developers, Lightspeed and Quantum Studios of Tencent Games and KRAFTON, announced in a press release that PUBG Mobile will be one of eight games included as a medalled event for the upcoming 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The mobile battle royale title joins seven other titles on the OCA’s list, including Arena of Valor, Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, EA Sports FIFA, Hearthstone, League of Legends and Street Fighter V as part of the official esports program.
PUBG Mobile joins Asian Games
“It’s an honor for PUBG Mobile to be included in the 2022 Asian Games. We’re incredibly lucky to have a number of extremely talented players from several countries in the region, and can’t wait to see them compete as part of such a prestigious event,” James Yang, director of Global Esports, Tencent Games, said in the press release. “Fans of the game can look forward to exciting competition between the region’s best PUBG Mobile players as they’re celebrated alongside the best athletes in Asia.”
The Asian Games have been recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the second largest multi-sport event, with iterations happening every four years. The inclusion of esports as a demonstration sport first took place in 2018 with six titles and it has now since expanded to eight.
A chance at gold for esports athletes
“I’m glad that PUBG Mobile is selected as the official medal event at the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, which will be an opportunity for people from all over Asia to come together as one,” Minu Lee, the head of the PUBG Mobile Strategic Marketing Department at KRAFTON, said in the press release. “I hope that fans and players will be able to unite through a new version on PUBG Mobile, which we developed with PUBG IP specifically for the Asian Games.”
PUBG Mobile’s esports scene currently boasts 14 leagues and a total prize pool of $15 million. Recently surpassing over 1 billion downloads worldwide, the introduction of the mobile battle royale title into the Asian Games marks another step in its continued global growth.
Esports athletes will battle it out at the 19th Asian Games between September 10-25, 2022 for the chance at gold.
