PUBG Mobile v1.3 out with a music festival mode as Krafton invests Rs 164 Crores in Nodwin Gaming

PUBG Studio, the game developer behind the popular Battle Royale smartphone title, PUBG Mobile has just launched a new update. Looking at the details, this new update brings the version number of the game to v1.3. This update came just hours after Krafton, the parent company of PUBG Studio shared a significant announcement regarding investment. Going through the details, Krafton has just taken a minority stake in Nodwin Gaming. The gaming platform has received an investment worth Rs. 165 Crores or about $22.4 Million. As part of the investment, Nodwin Gaming will help develop eSports in several markets including India. Other markets that the company will focus on include South Asia, Africa, and more. Here is everything we know about the investment that Krafton made in Nodwin Gaming and PUBG Mobile v1.3 update.

PUBG Mobile v1.3 update out, details

The highlight of the new PUBG Mobile update is likely the new music festival mode. PUBG Studio is calling this new mode, “Hundred Rhythms Let’s Drop the Beat”. This new version is meant to celebrate the anniversary of the game along with a new chapter, “Metro Royale: Uncover”. As part of the latest chapter, players can go undercover to take on the enemy along with some new elements. Players will get the option to jump in the game as an NPC while searching for their enemies. These new elements include a “Mosin-Nagant” Sniper rifle, a new Power Armor mode, and a new glider.

This new update also brings performance improvements and fixes to the maps. The company also outlined that the new Royale Pass will start towards the end of the month. We also got a 30-second trailer teasing everything new in the update. Beyond the music festival, the update also includes new mini-games and a new armband system inside the main game. One needs to find armbands that will offer “unique” skills to the player. PUBG Studio has divided these armbands into “Recon Knight”, “Guardian”, and “Survivor” types, each with special benefits.

The Classic Mode on the Erangel map also includes several new graffiti walls where the painting will trigger music. We also got to know information regarding improvements to Cheer Park with the new update. These include a large bunny doll, ability to project notes in the air to interact with other players inside the game. The projection also includes the names of the sender and the recipient. PUBG Mobile v1.3 also comes with a new Dream Team event, and more. The update is currently live on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Indian players can download it directly from the PUBG Mobile website.

Krafton invests in Nodwin Gaming

Nodwin Gaming shared some details around the deal stating that it is not limited to India. In addition, Krafton has also gained a board seat after the investment in the company. The company will also use this money to create “bigger, better” tournaments in and around India. Changham Kim, the Chief Executive of Krafton also shared a statement as part of the announcement. While speaking to TechCrunch, he stated, “Krafton is excited to partner with Nodwin Gaming to help foster the promising eSports ecosystem and engage with our fans and players in India.”

Kim also added that the company “will explore additional investment opportunities in the region” to cultivate gaming. It is worth noting that previously, Krafton also tried to work with Reliance Jio, Airtel, Paytm, and more in its efforts to enter the market. Months after the PUBG Mobile ban, the company also announced a $100 million investment in India to try and change the narrative. It is likely that this won’t change the state of things around PUBG Mobile India. Especially when Prakash Javadekar recently outlined PUBG Mobile as one of the examples for violent, explicit, and addictive games.