[Point Economy] Krafton’s flagship title, PUBG: Battlegrounds (hereafter Battlegrounds), celebrated its ninth anniversary with a large-scale fan festival.
On March 28, roughly 4,000 fans who reserved tickets attended the PUBG 9th Anniversary Festival at Hwajeong Gymnasium, Korea University, in Seoul’s Seongbuk District. The event marked Battlegrounds’ achievements since its 2017 launch and offered a forum for the developer to engage directly with players.
△ Real-world experiential attractions prove popular
Organizers filled the gymnasium and adjacent outdoor grounds with interactive zones. Booths that replicated in-game systems in physical form proved especially popular.
One attendee, Shin Hee-jun (31), said the 9kg Farming Challenge — which asked participants to match a backpack's weight within a time limit — left the biggest impression. “It was fun to physically experience an in-game mechanic,” he said.
Another participant, Shin Ji-min (21), said she enjoyed the tension of the lucky-wheel (roulette) event and would definitely return if a similar festival is held again.
The festival also featured an esports zone where fans could compete against active pro players, an exhibit displaying memorabilia from past PGC and PNC champions, and game-themed F&B booths — including a Golden Sam-Ttuk-Bbang stand — all of which drew strong interest.
△ Developers' talk show and roadmap reveal
At the developers' panel "Chickens TALK," Battlegrounds director Kim Tae-hyun and commentator Kim Ji-su reflected on nine years of development, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and lessons learned.
The "Omniscient Battlegrounds Perspective" segment streamed live on YouTube and included in-depth discussions of 2025 updates and the operational roadmap for 2026. The session allowed both the in-person audience and online viewers to get a clearer sense of the game's direction.
From 5:00 p.m., the main stage emphasized Battlegrounds as a cultural property. An orchestra offered a classical reinterpretation of the game's iconic sounds, followed by illusionist Lee Eun-gyeol’s magic act and a celebratory set from K-pop group All Day Project.
All Day Project energized the crowd with a performance of the 9th-anniversary collaboration single "I DON'T BARGAIN."
After a successful ninth-anniversary festival, Battlegrounds looks poised to prepare for a new push leading into its milestone 10th anniversary next year.
