Battle royale title PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has unveiled its esports roadmap for the 2026 season.
Next year includes an expanded tournament calendar in addition to an increase in support funds and prize pool, with the aim of improving the ecosystem’s sustainability.
2026 marks the eighth season of the PUBG esports circuit. Notably, next season will feature a switch from First-Person Perspective (FPP) to Third-Person Perspective (TPP) to bridge the gap between playing matches and watching events.
KRAFTON stated that the move to TPP is designed to make ‘the game more accessible, relatable, and immersive for more people around the world without losing the depth and skill.’
“Over the past year, we’ve been in constant dialogue with teams and players, holding more than three official feedback sessions to share ideas, concerns, and direction,” said KRAFTON.
“We also tested and verified our vision through the PUBG Players Tour. These events proved that a TPP-based competitive scene can be both thrilling and sustainable.”
Alongside the change, the expanded calendar will include 12 PUBG Global Series (PGS) tournaments taking place throughout the year, alongside the return of the PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) in June 2026.
The 2026 season concludes with the PUBG Global Championship (PGC) set to take place in December. Notably, KRAFTON didn’t disclose information surrounding the circuit’s prize pool.
Community Reaction
Following the unveiling of the roadmap and the switch to TPP, parts of the PUBG community have shared their frustration with moving away from FPP action. “The only steps it will take PUBG is backwards,” commented one fan. “TPP sucks in competitive, and nobody wants to watch it.”
While the change of perspective has sparked debate, the expanded calendar offers teams more opportunities to compete in PUBG’s top tier. Moreover, the increase in support funds should ensure the long-term future of the scene.
