PUBG Mobile is a wildly popular mobile game that has taken the world by storm.

With its addictive gameplay, stunning graphics, and seamless cross-platform compatibility, it’s no surprise that millions of users play it every day. However, behind this hugely successful game lies a complex ownership structure that raises important questions about who controls the game’s intellectual property, distribution, and revenue streams.

In this article, we will delve into the history of PUBG Mobile and explore its ownership structure to help you understand who is behind the scenes of this wildly popular game. We will also examine some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the ownership of PUBG Mobile and discuss the potential risks and solutions for mobile developers looking to create their own games without relying on dominant players like Tencent.

The History of PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile was developed by South Korean company Bluehole Inc., which was founded in 2013. The original version of the game, PUBG, was released in 2017 on PC and console platforms, where it quickly gained popularity due to its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay and intense multiplayer mode.

In 2018, Bluehole Inc. partnered with Chinese smartphone manufacturer Tencent to bring PUBG Mobile to mobile devices. Tencent, one of the world’s largest tech companies, invested heavily in the game’s development and distribution, and its version of PUBG Mobile was released worldwide in 2018.

Today, PUBG Mobile is a massive hit, with millions of daily users around the world. Its success can be attributed to a number of factors, including its addictive gameplay, stunning graphics, and seamless cross-platform compatibility.

Ownership Structure of PUBG Mobile

As mentioned earlier, Bluehole Inc., the original developer of PUBG, partnered with Tencent to bring PUBG Mobile to mobile devices. This partnership was a strategic move by Bluehole, as Tencent has a massive presence in the Chinese smartphone market and is well-positioned to help the game reach a wider audience.

Under this partnership agreement, Tencent was granted exclusive rights to distribute and monetize PUBG Mobile in China, while Bluehole retained ownership of the game’s intellectual property outside of China. This means that Bluehole is still the owner of the game’s IP worldwide, including the PUBG brand, characters, and game mechanics.

However, Tencent has been accused of taking advantage of this partnership to effectively “own” PUBG Mobile in other countries as well. For example, when PUBG Mobile was released outside of China in 2018, Tencent’s version of the game was the only one available for download on app stores. This made it difficult for users in other countries to access any alternative versions of the game, effectively giving Tencent a monopoly on the game’s distribution and revenue streams.

In response to these allegations, Bluehole has stated that it is working to bring more versions of PUBG Mobile to market, including alternative versions developed by other partners. However, as of now, Tencent remains the dominant force behind PUBG Mobile, with its version still being the only one widely available globally.

FAQs about PUBG Mobile Ownership

1. Who owns the intellectual property rights for PUBG Mobile?

Bluehole Inc., the original developer of PUBG, owns the game’s IP rights worldwide, including the PUBG brand, characters, and game mechanics. However, Tencent has exclusive rights to distribute and monetize PUBG Mobile in China.

2. What happens to the revenue streams generated by PUBG Mobile outside of China?

Tencent has been accused of taking advantage of its partnership with Bluehole to effectively “own” PUBG Mobile in other countries, including controlling the game’s revenue streams outside of China. However, it is unclear how much revenue Tencent generates from PUBG Mobile outside of China.

3. Can alternative versions of PUBG Mobile gain a foothold in the global market?

Bluehole has stated that it is working to bring more versions of PUBG Mobile to market, including alternative versions developed by other partners. However, it remains to be seen how successful these alternative versions will be in competing with Tencent’s version of the game.

Implications for Mobile Developers

The ownership structure of PUBG Mobile raises important questions about the risks and opportunities for mobile developers looking to create their own games. One major risk is relying too heavily on dominant players like Tencent, which can limit a developer’s control over the game’s distribution, revenue streams, and IP rights.

To mitigate these risks, mobile developers should consider alternative distribution channels, such as app stores or gaming platforms, and partner with smaller, more niche players in the industry. They can also explore different revenue models, such as in-app purchases or advertising, to diversify their revenue streams and reduce their dependence on a single partner.

In conclusion, PUBG Mobile’s ownership structure reflects the complex landscape of the mobile gaming industry, with Bluehole Inc., the original developer of the game, retaining control over its IP rights worldwide, while Tencent has dominated the game’s distribution and revenue streams outside of China. As the popularity of PUBG Mobile continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this ownership structure evolves in the future and what implications this may have for mobile developers looking to create their own games.