Introducing "Peacekeeper Elite": The Chinese Equivalent of PUBG
If you are a fan of PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds), you might have heard of its Chinese version called "和平精英". Unlike the Western version of PUBG, the Chinese version is censored, and it has gained immense popularity amongst the Chinese audience. In July 2019, Tencent, the game developer, launched an international version of "和平精英" called "Peacekeeper Elite". Let's take a closer look at this Chinese battle royale game and how it compares to its Western counterpart.
The Gameplay of Peacekeeper Elite
The concept of the game is similar to PUBG- there are 100 players on a deserted island, fighting to be the last person standing. The players can scavenge for weapons, armour, and other essentials, to outwit their opponents. The game has five different modes- Classic, Payload, EvoGround, Arena, and Training. The maps are based on real-world places in China such as Beijing and Shanghai, and they come with their unique challenges.
The Difference Between PUBG and Peacekeeper Elite
The biggest difference between the two games is the censorship. "和平精英" had to tone down the level of violence and gore to appease the Chinese government's strict regulations. PUBG, on the other hand, is allowed to keep its violent and graphic nature, which is one of the primary reasons for its global success. The Chinese version of the game also has a different user-interface, which suits the Chinese audience's preferences and habits.
Another significant difference is the distribution. PUBG is available for players worldwide, while "和平精英" can only be played in China. Peacekeeper Elite was created to offer Chinese players a gameplay experience that adheres to their cultural values and regulations.
The Popularity of Peacekeeper Elite
Despite its censorship restrictions, Peacekeeper Elite has quickly become one of the most popular games in China. In January 2021, the game had a reported 100 million daily active players. Tencent is also continually updating and improving the game to cater to its audience's needs. The global launch of the game has also been a success with more than 10 million downloads in the first three days of its release.
Conclusion
"Peacekeeper Elite" is a prime example of how game developers need to cater to the cultural and regulatory differences of different countries. The game has achieved global success despite its censorship regulations, which is a testament to its compelling gameplay and the Chinese audience's loyalty. With the rise of mobile gaming and the growing popularity of battle royale games, there is no doubt that "Peacekeeper Elite" will continue to thrive amongst gamers worldwide.
