Highlights
- Developers Krafton and PUBG Corporation have removed the Dragunov rifle from PUBG: Battlegrounds due to fan backlash over its reliance on a luck-based damage calculation system.
- The developers have acknowledged the feedback and pulled the weapon from live servers while reassessing the system. They have asked players to fill out a feedback form to help optimize the rifle for future implementation.
- Besides the rifle issue, the latest update introduced a revamped map, sandstorms, and a collaboration with Aston Martin.
Developers Krafton and PUBG Corporation have pulled the latest weapon in PUBG: Battlegrounds after a negative response from fans. The latest update for PUBG: Battlegrounds originally went live for gamers on August 2 and brought a host of changes to the popular battle royale multiplayer game including various map changes and gameplay modes.
To accompany these changes, a new weapon, the Dragunov rifle, was introduced to PUBG: Battlegrounds. The powerful weapon that utilizes 7.62mm ammunition and delivers as much power as a sniper rifle, however, relies on a random number system to calculate the damage caused. Fans expressed their concern over the RNG system behind the rifle as it meant kills were based on luck rather than skill.
After listening to fans' concerns over the gun, Krafton posted a statement to the official PUBG: Battlegrounds website acknowledging the feedback surrounding the Dragunov rifle. As a temporary measure, the team has pulled the weapon from the live PUBG servers while the system is being assessed. In an attempt to keep players engaged with the aging battle royale game, the developers have asked players to fill out a feedback form to help optimize the rifle so it can be implemented into the game in the best way possible.
Aside from the issues with the Dragunov, the latest update for PUBG: Battlegrounds treated players to a revamped map, along with numerous gameplay changes including the introduction of sandstorms. This new gameplay element replaces the existing Red Zone on the Miramar map and brings new challenges such as reduced visibility and constantly depleting health.
The 25.1 update for PUBG: Battlegrounds also brings in the latest collaboration with the car manufacturer Aston Martin, and gives players the opportunity to drive around the revamped map in a luxurious supercar. This collaboration is the latest in a long line of franchises and products that have teamed up with the hugely successful battle royale game. Recently, Capcom partnered up with Krafton to bring Street Fighter 6 skins to PUBG: Battlegrounds as players are currently able to buy costumes reminiscent of Ryu, Chun-li, and Cammy.
It remains to be seen when the Dragunov will return to PUBG: Battlegrounds, although it is a positive step that the developers are seeking input from the community. While PUBG continues to have a rather large player base, Krafton is also funding the development of a game to rival Escape From Tarkov. Project BlackBudget as it is currently known is set to be a PvPvE extraction shooter set in a vast open world. Details surrounding a firm release window haven’t yet been unveiled but it seems that the team at Krafton is looking at offering different experiences to players.
PUBG: Battlegrounds is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Krafton
