PUBG Mobile expands African footprint with local servers, culturally inspired feature

Popular mobile game PUBG Mobile has expanded its presence in Africa with the launch of dedicated servers and the introduction of new in-game content inspired by African culture.

The initiative, branded “For Africa, By Africa,” is part of the game’s strategy to serve Africa’s growing mobile gaming community more effectively.

The upgrade includes new server nodes in Nigeria and South Africa, aiming to improve gameplay quality and reduce latency for millions of users across the continent.

PUBG Mobile becomes one of the first major global gaming platforms to invest in African server infrastructure.

“To meet the needs of our diverse African community, we’ve also introduced a Server Node Selection feature, allowing players to choose whether to compete within Africa or globally,” said Brian Gu, Head of PUBG Mobile Africa.

In addition to technical enhancements, the game now features African-themed content. These include a Maasai-inspired outfit, the “Afro Frenzy” emote based on the Mapangale dance trend, and a digital version of Mancala, a traditional African board game set for release later this year.

“These features go beyond aesthetics. They represent our respect for African culture and the creativity of our player base,” Gu said.

PUBG Mobile has also scheduled several community engagement events across the continent. Among them is the Africa Cup Tournament, with grand finals slated for September 13 to 14.

There will also be a TikTok x PUBG Mobile Dance Challenge in August and an Airdrop Festival Carnival offering prizes such as smartphones and accessories.

According to PUBG Mobile, these developments were influenced by feedback from African players seeking smoother gameplay and greater cultural representation within the game.

“This isn’t just an update; it’s a co-creation,” Gu added. “African players have shaped this game’s future, and this is only the beginning.”