In 2000, a bizarre and controversial film called "Battle Royale" was released. In the film, dozens of Japanese high school students are forcibly placed on an island, given random weapons, and forced to kill each other until only person remains.
That person is crowned winner.
Toei Corporation
Perhaps you recognize Chiaki Kuriyama? She was a key character in "Kill Bill: Volume 1."
If that sounds a lot like the plot of "The Hunger Games," that's because it's not far off. Though the plots are similar, "Battle Royale" is a far more brutal film. There is no prevailing heroine, no odds overcome. "Battle Royale" is a bleak, suspenseful, violent movie.
A new game with a bizarre name - "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" - aims to re-create the tension and brutality of "Battle Royale." And, unbelievably, it succeeds.
Bluehole Studios
"PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" is only available on PC. It's only got one game mode. It's not even fully complete (the game is available in "early access," which means it isn't finished but you can buy it early and start playing now). Yet, after just five weeks of availability, it's sold over 2 million copies. It's the third most-watched game on Twitch, the world's largest game streaming platform.
So, what gives? Why is this game blowing up? Here's the deal.