PUBG set for a big 2019 esports season

After watching Fortnite’s professional scene explode in 2018, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is finally returning fire.

In 2019, PUBG will see a massive expansion in its pro scene that will include a new seasonal structure and a unified rule set. It’s a massive overhaul, but one that offers consistency across pro tournaments and the game’s first real professional infrastructure.

The 2019 PUBG season under this new format will be divided into three phases, with each taking place over about two months. There will be nine separate regions: North America, Europe, Korea, Japan, China, Chinese Taipei/Hong Kong/Macao, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. Each region will have its own separate league or circuit. The first phase begins in late January and ends in March, with each region sharing the same schedule.

Between each phase, larger international events hosted by third-party organizers will take place featuring the top-performing teams from each region. After the conclusion of the third phase, the 2019 Global Championship will take place with a prize pool of at least $2 million. It is currently unknown how many teams from each region will be invited to these events. There will also be a mid-season All-Star Games event.

All pro PUBG competitions will take place under a new ruleset. 16 four-man teams will face off on Erangel and Miramar with fixed first-person perspectives. There will also be “unique blue zone settings and item drop rates,” according to the official statement. Finally, a new scoring system will be implemented to encourage a more entertaining and action-packed style of play.

Details on regional competitions are yet to be announced. The full press release for the 2019 season can be found on the official PUBG website.