PUBG is doing a Fortnite and bringing back its original island map

In a move to spark nostalgia among long-time players, PUBG is reviving its first-ever map, Erangel, complete with its original aesthetics and weapon dynamics. This exclusive event coincides with the game marking seven years since it debuted in March 2017. Scheduled from May 14th to 28th on PC and from May 23rd to June 6th on consoles, this event mirrors Fortnite's recent revival of its classic map.

Erangel Classic will feature an older, moodier weather setting, classic bench weapons, and a retro user interface. This reintroduction serves as a homage not just to PUBG's storied past but possibly also acknowledges Fortnite, a subsequent title from Epic Games, which remains a dominant player in the battle royale scene.

In a recent conversation reported by Game File, Fortnite's former creative head, Donald Mustard, responded to past criticisms of Fortnite being merely a clone of PUBG. He explained that the nature of video game development is largely inspired and influenced by existing games, shaping them through continuous evolution. Mustard cited fan-made Minecraft mods as his own inspiration in conceptualizing Fortnite's battle royale mode, comparing the iterative nature of game design to the evolution from classic titles like Quake.

This revival is poised to offer both veteran enthusiasts and newcomers to PUBG a taste of the game's origins, steeped in the original thrills and challenges that once defined the modern battle royale genre.