PUBG: A Dangerous Obsession Among Youth

KAZI ABUL MONSUR,JOURNALIST##

Behind closed doors, young people are absorbed in gaming, making various sounds, sometimes as if they’re talking to someone. In reality, today’s youth are getting drawn into the addictive game PUBG, similar to a dangerous obsession. Especially among students, groups gather to play, losing track of time in this engrossing activity, often sidelining studies.

It is surprising to know how much money China earns by selling this PUBG game. PUBG Mobile has generated significant revenue since its release, totaling over $10 billion as of mid-2023. China has been the most lucrative market for the game, accounting for approximately 60.3% of its total revenue, which amounts to more than $6 billion. This dominance is followed by other regions, with the United States contributing around 10.7% and Japan 3.7%​
In China, the game also boasts the highest revenue per download (ARPD), averaging $34.2, showcasing the high player spending within the region compared to other markets. Tencent, which manages PUBG Mobile’s global operations, benefits greatly from this revenue, with the game remaining one of Tencent’s most profitable assets, second only to “Honor of Kings”
The game, officially known as PLAYER UNKNOWN’S BATTLE GROUND, is globally known as PUBG. Hardly anyone hasn’t heard of it, and anyone who follows gaming trends is surely aware of PUBG. It’s a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game that has gained immense popularity worldwide.

PUBG’s Dominance in Google Search
With 2019 ending, the world stands at the doorstep of 2020, evaluating how the year went in various fields. Google reported that PUBG was one of the most searched topics in India. When PUBG first launched, people turned to Google to learn how to play, making “how to play PUBG” one of the year’s top search queries.

What is PUBG?
Among mobile games, PUBG reigns supreme, also topping the charts when considering all types of gaming devices. With a good device and internet connection, anyone can easily engage with PUBG. Created by Tencent Games, it has been downloaded over 100 million times from Google Play Store alone, with its revenue surging by 136% in the past year.

Growing Popularity and Criticism
As PUBG’s popularity rises, so does the debate about its downsides, with some countries banning the game and others considering similar measures. While it’s an excellent game, PUBG addiction is concerning. Like any addiction, excessive engagement with PUBG can lead to various harms.

Here are some of the dangers associated with PUBG that everyone should be aware of:

Violence: PUBG has been criticized for promoting violence, leading some countries like China and Nepal to ban it. The game’s intense action could lead to aggressive behavior in players.
Addictiveness: Prolonged play keeps players busy all day, hampering productivity and harming mental and physical health.
Reduced Social Interaction: Gamers often isolate themselves, spending most of their time playing PUBG instead of engaging with family and friends.
Health Impacts: Extended screen time can harm eyesight, cause headaches, and lead to physical issues like back pain.
Mental Health Decline: WHO has recognized gaming addiction as a mental health disorder, with PUBG addiction linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption.
While PUBG’s allure spans the globe, its addictive nature can disrupt academic and professional life, posing severe challenges. Gamers, especially students, must be cautious to avoid such negative impacts.##