What Was the First Battle Royale Game? And Why Do We Still Care About It?

What Was the First Battle Royale Game? And Why Do We Still Care About It?

The concept of battle royale games has taken the gaming world by storm in recent years, but where did it all begin? The origins of the battle royale genre can be traced back to a Japanese film adaptation of the novel Battle Royale by Koushun Takami, which inspired the mechanics of survival and last-man-standing gameplay. However, the first true battle royale game is often debated among gaming historians. Some argue that PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) popularized the genre, while others point to earlier titles like Minecraft Hunger Games or even ARMA 2: DayZ Mod. But what makes this genre so captivating, and why do we still care about its origins?

The Evolution of Battle Royale Games

The battle royale genre didn’t emerge overnight. It evolved from mods and custom game modes in existing titles. For instance, ARMA 2: DayZ Mod introduced survival mechanics and player-versus-player combat, which laid the groundwork for the genre. Brendan “PlayerUnknown” Greene, the creator of PUBG, was heavily influenced by these mods and later developed H1Z1: King of the Kill, which further refined the formula. PUBG, released in 2017, became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying the battle royale genre as a mainstream gaming staple.

The Core Appeal of Battle Royale

What makes battle royale games so addictive? The answer lies in their unique blend of tension, strategy, and unpredictability. Players are dropped into a large map with nothing but their wits and must scavenge for weapons and resources while avoiding or eliminating other players. The ever-shrinking play zone forces encounters and keeps the action intense. This combination of survival, exploration, and combat creates a thrilling experience that keeps players coming back for more.

The Impact of Fortnite

While PUBG may have popularized the genre, Fortnite revolutionized it. Epic Games’ decision to add a battle royale mode to their existing game Fortnite: Save the World was a stroke of genius. The free-to-play model, combined with vibrant graphics and building mechanics, attracted a massive audience, including younger players and casual gamers. Fortnite not only expanded the battle royale audience but also introduced cross-platform play, setting a new standard for multiplayer games.

The Role of Streaming and Esports

The rise of battle royale games coincided with the growth of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Streamers and content creators played a significant role in popularizing these games by showcasing their gameplay and entertaining audiences. Titles like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone capitalized on this trend by integrating features that catered to streamers and competitive players. The emergence of battle royale esports further cemented the genre’s place in gaming culture.

The Future of Battle Royale

As the genre continues to evolve, developers are experimenting with new mechanics and themes. Games like Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout and Spellbreak have introduced unique twists, blending battle royale with party games and fantasy elements. The integration of virtual reality and augmented reality could also open up new possibilities for immersive gameplay. Despite its saturation, the battle royale genre shows no signs of slowing down.

Why Do We Still Care About the First Battle Royale Game?

The fascination with the origins of the battle royale genre stems from its rapid rise to prominence and its impact on gaming culture. Understanding where it all began helps us appreciate the innovations and creativity that have shaped modern gaming. Whether it’s PUBG, Fortnite, or an obscure mod, the first battle royale game represents a pivotal moment in gaming history—a moment that continues to influence how we play and connect with others.


Q: What inspired the battle royale genre?
A: The genre was inspired by the Japanese novel and film Battle Royale, which depicted a deadly survival game.

Q: Is PUBG the first battle royale game?
A: While PUBG popularized the genre, earlier mods like ARMA 2: DayZ Mod and Minecraft Hunger Games laid the groundwork.

Q: How did Fortnite change the battle royale genre?
A: Fortnite introduced building mechanics, a free-to-play model, and cross-platform play, broadening the genre’s appeal.

Q: What makes battle royale games so popular?
A: The combination of survival, strategy, and unpredictability creates a thrilling and addictive gameplay experience.

Q: What’s next for battle royale games?
A: Developers are exploring new mechanics, themes, and technologies like VR and AR to keep the genre fresh and engaging.