Hello, players.

In this Dev Letter, we'd like to share an update on adjustments we're making to the Map Selection feature in NA, SA, EU, RU, and Console, where it has been available since May.

In our previous Dev Letter, we explained that the introduction of Map Selection was a decision made to prioritize giving players the ability to choose the maps they wanted to play, while also taking into account the potential impact on the matchmaking environment. We also committed to continuing to monitor the live service and explore better ways to operate the feature. Today, we would like to share what we have observed through live service data and the background behind the adjustments we are making based on those findings.

■ What We Observed During the Initial Operation Period

To briefly look back, we introduced the Map Selection feature with the May update to regions that had previously operated under the Random Map system, and have been running it for approximately three months. This decision was made to provide more players with the opportunity to directly choose the maps they wanted to play, regardless of region.

During this period, one of the first things we examined was how players were actually using the Map Selection feature.  Our findings showed that players who actively selected a map consistently gravitated toward certain maps.

* This data represents the share of selections for each map among players who used the Map Selection feature. It does not represent the overall map preferences of the entire player base.

For reference, throughout this Dev Letter, maps are categorized as either large or small based on their size, as outlined below.

In particular, Erangel and one of the representative small maps continued to receive consistent selections throughout the period. Compared to the previous Random Map service, these maps also experienced relatively little change in the number of players per match. While this trend was not observed across every map, it did indicate that, for certain maps, players with different playstyle preferences were consistently finding and selecting the experiences they were looking for.

At the same time, we carefully reviewed the feedback many of you shared with us. Most of the concerns were not about the Map Selection feature itself, but rather about how it was being offered. On maps that received relatively few selections, the number of players per match decreased, resulting in longer matchmaking times and a higher proportion of bots. We found that these factors were contributing to concerns about overall matchmaking quality.

From the outset, we understood that introducing the Map Selection feature could involve certain trade-offs in matchmaking quality, and we communicated this in our previous Dev Letter. However, after reviewing both the live service data and your feedback, we concluded that the impact has been more noticeable than we originally anticipated.

Based on these findings, we believe adjustments to the current operation of the feature are necessary. In the following sections, we'd like to share the direction of those changes and the reasoning behind them.

■ Reviewing the Number of Available Maps

We plan to continue supporting the Map Selection feature itself, as several maps have continued to receive consistent selections throughout the operation period. However, we also concluded that it was necessary to re-evaluate how many maps should be available at the same time.

While Map Selection is available, both players who actively select a map and those who enter Random Matchmaking are matched across all five available maps. As a result, even if you do not select a map yourself, the overall matchmaking pool in that region is still divided across five different maps.

The matchmaking pools in PC regions (NA, SA, EU, and RU) and across all Console regions are comparatively smaller. As a result, offering five maps simultaneously proved to be more than the matchmaking environment in these regions could effectively support. On maps with relatively fewer selections, this led to fewer players per match, longer matchmaking times, and a higher proportion of bots.

To address this, we will reduce the number of available map slots from five to three. By concentrating the player population across fewer maps, we expect to increase the number of players per match while reducing both matchmaking times and the proportion of bots. We believe this adjustment will improve the matchmaking experience for both players who use Map Selection and those who enter Random Matchmaking.

We also took into consideration the consistent feedback requesting separate options for large maps and small maps. With that in mind, we believe that three map slots represent the smallest configuration that allows us to offer one fixed slot, one large map, and one small map while avoiding unnecessary fragmentation of the matchmaking pool. This is why we decided to move to a three-slot configuration.

■ Map Slot Configuration

Following this adjustment, the Map Selection system will consist of one fixed slot and two rotating slots. The two rotating slots will feature one large map and one small map.

The fixed slot will always feature Erangel. Throughout the operation period, Erangel consistently received the highest level of player selections and experienced relatively little change in the number of players per match compared to the previous Random Map service. Based on this consistent demand, we believe Erangel should remain permanently available rather than rotating in and out on a weekly basis.

The two rotating slots will consist of one large map(8x8) and one small map(4x4, 3x3, 2x2).

We also considered prioritizing maps solely based on selection rates. However, this approach would result in periods where players who prefer small maps would have no opportunity to select one. Although small maps accounted for a smaller share of overall selections during the operation period, they continued to receive steady engagement from a dedicated group of players. For this reason, we believe it is important to ensure that players who enjoy small maps always have one available as a selectable option.

■ Update Details

• The Map Selection feature itself will remain unchanged. Only the selection of available maps will be adjusted.

• The two rotating slots will consist of one large map and one small map.

• The detailed map lineup will be announced separately through a future Map Service Report.

■ The Road Ahead

With this adjustment, our goal is to find the right balance between preserving players' ability to choose the maps they want to play and maintaining a healthy matchmaking environment.

After these changes are implemented, we will continue monitoring key operational data, including the number of players per match, changes in bot participation, and your feedback. We are also preparing a separate Q&A to address additional topics that were not covered in this Dev Letter and answer a wider range of questions. As always, your feedback will continue to help shape our development direction, and we will share both our decisions and the reasoning behind them through Dev Letters and other communication channels.

As always, we remain committed to providing the best possible gameplay experience.

Thank you.

We'll see you again in our next Dev Letter.

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team