Taeseok Jang, head of Krafton's PUBG IP franchise group, expressed respect for Fortnite while discussing the evolution of battle royale games. In an interview in Seoul, Jang highlighted PUBG's strong position and shift toward a platform model with user-generated content. He emphasized the genre's enduring appeal amid industry challenges.
Taeseok Jang spoke from Krafton's offices in Seoul, noting that battle royale has evolved into its own genre, with shooting as just one element. PUBG: Battlegrounds now features collaborations with brands like Balenciaga and Lamborghini, K-pop group Blackpink, and modes such as the PvE looter-shooter roguelite Xeno Point. Jang stated, 'I think we are in a really good position,' adding that games like Apex Legends and Fortnite retain unique fandoms and can attract more players due to their broad appeal and large user bases. PUBG reached 1.34 million concurrent players in March 2026. The company is adopting a platform strategy inspired by Fortnite and Roblox, focusing on user-generated content, partnerships, and licensing. A collaboration with Payday, incorporating PUBG mechanics and Starbreeze's structure, is set for later this year. Jang also mentioned potential expansions into TV shows and animations. Despite past tensions, Jang voiced admiration for Fortnite, saying, 'As a partner and as a company that is in the market together, I have a big respect for them, and I just feel like they're doing great.' He stressed the need for varied content and modes to sustain long-term live services.
