Hello players,

In this Dev Letter, we would like to share updates to the map service in regions currently operating under random map matchmaking.

We have been continuously monitoring matchmaking conditions as well as player feedback. Through this process, we identified areas where players are experiencing inconvenience and aspects of the current map service that require improvement. Based on these findings, we have decided to adjust the current system and would like to share the background and our direction moving forward.

■ Map Service Background and Player Feedback

Until now, regions such as NA, SA, EU, and RU have been operating under a random map system. Due to the structure of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, where a large number of players must be gathered for each match, maintaining a sufficient matchmaking pool is essential for a stable gameplay experience.

In regions with a sufficient player base, map selection is available. However, in regions with relatively limited matchmaking pools, random map matchmaking has been used to bring players together and maintain match quality. In some regions, a higher bot ratio can negatively impact gameplay, so this approach was taken to ensure matches are filled with as many real players as possible.

At the same time, we fully recognize the inconvenience players have experienced under this system. We have consistently heard feedback regarding the inability to select preferred maps, being required to play maps they do not want, and concerns about the frequency of featured maps included in world updates.

These concerns are not temporary, but have been raised repeatedly whenever map rotations change. We take this feedback seriously and sincerely apologize for not responding to player requests for map selection as quickly as we should have.

■ Considerations Around Matchmaking

One of the main reasons we have been hesitant to expand map selection is that it divides the matchmaking pool and may impact overall matchmaking conditions.

However, as mentioned above, we have continued to receive a wide range of player feedback regarding map selection.

In this context, we reviewed two possible approaches: maintaining the current system to protect the matchmaking pool, or allowing players to select their preferred maps while accepting potential trade-offs in matchmaking quality. We carefully evaluated which direction would ultimately provide a better gameplay experience.

With map selection enabled, some maps may benefit from faster and more stable matchmaking, while others with lower selection rates may experience longer wait times or fewer players per match. Despite these potential changes, we determined that providing the map selection experience that players have consistently asked for was the more important step forward.

After careful consideration, we have decided to expand map selection to regions currently operating under random map matchmaking.

■ Map Selection Update Details

Following live server maintenance on May 13, map selection will be available in the following regions:

* The initial lineup of five maps will follow the current rotation framework, and will be adjusted over time based on map selection data.

* More details regarding map rotation will be shared in the upcoming ‘Map Service Report - Update 41.2’ announcement. 

■ Post-Update Direction and Improvements

Once map selection is available, we will closely monitor matchmaking conditions and player behavior across each region. Based on this data, we will continue to adjust map rotation and service operation progressively.

If matchmaking conditions are found to be unstable in certain regions, we will take region-specific actions based on each region’s situation, and may also consider reverting to the previous system if necessary.

Our long-term goal is to create an environment where players can choose and play the maps they prefer, while maintaining stable matchmaking conditions.

This update marks the first step in that direction, and we will continue to refine the service based on live data and conditions. We will also communicate any changes and the rationale behind them transparently through Dev Letters and other channels.

We will continue working to improve the gameplay experience.

We'll see you in the next Dev Letter.

Thank you.

PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team