Krafton's PUBG: Battlegrounds teams up with 'Jujutsu Kaisen'

Collaboration brings the 'Jujutsu Kaisen' universe to Erangel, the game's signature map

Update launches Thursday; in-game item events included

Examples of items available during the PUBG: Battlegrounds x "Jujutsu Kaisen" collaboration event. [Krafton]

Krafton's PUBG: Battlegrounds is joining forces with the anime series "Jujutsu Kaisen," with the company using the collaboration as a springboard to expand partnerships with globally recognized intellectual properties.

Krafton announced Tuesday that PUBG: Battlegrounds will launch a collaboration event with "Jujutsu Kaisen" through an update on Thursday. The update will introduce character-themed items from the original series along with collaboration-exclusive in-game events.

The centerpiece of the collaboration is the integration of the "Jujutsu Kaisen" universe into Erangel, PUBG's signature map. Players will be able to experience the collaboration content not only through character-based items but also during gameplay on the Erangel map itself.

Specifically, themed spaces and visual elements inspired by "Jujutsu Kaisen" will be added to select areas of Erangel. In addition, costumes modeled after characters from the original series and upgradeable weapon skins will be released.

Krafton plans to run a variety of in-game events throughout the collaboration period, during which players can complete missions to earn items. The events will run on PC from Thursday through Oct. 14, and on console from Sept. 17 through Oct. 22.

Krafton said it plans to gradually expand collaborations with globally recognized IPs, leveraging its large player base and live-service capabilities. The company aims to offer players a cultural experience that goes beyond gaming, and to channel that momentum into growth of the PUBG IP franchise.

"This collaboration was designed to extend the gameplay experience that Battlegrounds has built up, while also creating a deeper sense of immersion for players," a Krafton official said. "We will continue to deliver differentiated fun that is unique to Battlegrounds through a variety of collaboration content."

PUBG: Battlegrounds, Krafton's flagship title launched in 2017, is marking its ninth anniversary this year. Building on the performance of the PUBG IP franchise, Krafton posted record sales of 2.66 trillion won ($1.98 billion) in the first half of this year.

sjpark@heraldcorp.com