As we delve into the world of video games, we find ourselves drawn to the thrill of competition and survival.
One genre that has captured the hearts of gamers around the world is the battle royale game, a genre that pits players against each other in an all-out fight for survival. But where did this genre come from? What was the first battle royale video game? In this article, we will explore the history of this exciting and action-packed genre, tracing its roots back to its humble beginnings and following its evolution into a modern phenomenon.
The Roots of Battle Royale
While it may seem like a recent development in the world of video games, battle royale has actually been around for quite some time. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where survival was often a matter of life and death. In many cultures, there were gladiatorial contests or survival challenges that tested the strength and skill of individuals. These events often took place in an arena, with participants fighting each other for the right to survive until the last man stood.
In the realm of video games, battle royale can be traced back to 1980 when a Japanese developer named Shigeru Miyamoto created “The Last One Alive”, also known as “Deathball”. This game was a two-player deathmatch in which players controlled a bouncing ball and had to destroy their opponent’s ball while avoiding obstacles and traps. The last player standing would be declared the winner. While not directly a battle royale game, “The Last One Alive” laid the groundwork for the genre that was to come.
In 1993, another Japanese developer named Takashi Sawada created “Battle Royale: The Ultimate Survival”, also known as “Battle Royale: Battle of Japan”. This game was a multiplayer deathmatch in which players controlled a character and had to fight their way through an arena filled with other players. The last player standing would be declared the winner. While not a battle royale game in the truest sense, “Battle Royale: Battle of Japan” is often considered the first modern battle royale game.
The Birth of Fortnite and PUBG
While both “Deathball” and “Battle Royale: Battle of Japan” were early forerunners of the battle royale genre, it was not until 2017 that the genre really took off with the release of two groundbreaking games: Fortnite and PUBG.
Fortnite was created by Epic Games in 2012 as a building simulation game called “Save the World”. However, in 2017, Epic released a new mode called “Battle Royale” that quickly became popular among players. In this mode, players would parachute onto an island and scavenge for weapons and resources while fighting off other players. The last player standing would be declared the winner. Fortnite’s success paved the way for the battle royale genre to become a mainstream phenomenon.
PUBG, or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, was created by a Korean developer named Brendan Greene in 2013. Greene had previously worked on “Chicken Dinner”, a game similar to Fortnite that was popular in South Korea. However, PUBG took the battle royale concept to a whole new level with its massive multiplayer modes and intense action. Players would parachute onto an island filled with other players and fight for survival until only one player remained. The success of PUBG helped cement the battle royale genre as a major force in the world of video games.
The Evolution of Battle Royale
From its humble beginnings, the battle royale genre has evolved into a complex and dynamic experience for players. Here are some of the key developments that have shaped the genre over time:
- The Rise of Fortnite: Fortnite’s popularity exploded in 2018, with millions of players from around the world competing in its Battle Royale mode.