Tencent secures PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Chinese exclusivity

While signs have suggested this for some time, it has now been officially confirmed that Tencent will be the exclusive Chinese publisher of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.

VentureBeat reports that Tencent will run the game’s Chinese servers and assist developer Bluehole in tackling the proposed Chinese regulations that at one stage looked as if could result in the game’s banning in China.

Tencent has also vowed to help combat the game’s problem with cheaters. Recent measure introduced by the developers seem to have already led to a noticeable reduction in cheating, but any steps to eradicate it completely will be welcomed by the userbase.

Talk of Tencent acquiring PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds developer Bluehole has been doing the rounds for quite some time, with claims that Bluehole previously rejected an acquisition offer prior to the PUBG explosion. However, as Bluehole’s value continues to soar, rumours suggest that shareholders may now be veering back towards the idea of a sale.

In addition, an IPO is believed to remain impossible while Bluehole founder Chang Byung-gyu (who is also its largest shareholder) continues to serve as chairman of the Fourth Industrial Revolution committee, as he would almost certainly face calls of exploiting his position.

In September Bluehole confirmed that it was in discussions with Tencent about a possible equity acquisition, having just the month before denied such reports.

A PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds spokesperson did confirm to MCV’s sister site Esports Pro, however, that Tencent does not currently own a stake in either Bluehole or the more recently formed PUBG Corp.