Dev Letter: Fortifying the Authentication System for Ranked
Hello players.
In Patch Notes - Update 26.2, released on November 1st, we introduced enhancements to the authentication system for Ranked. For those of you curious about the background and intentions behind this change, we aim to provide in this Anti-Cheat Dev Letter a comprehensive overview of the authentication system improvements set to be implemented on November 15th.
Background
The SMS authentication system, implemented alongside the launch of Ranked in May 2021, mandated all players to confirm their mobile numbers as a measure against cheating in Ranked. Simultaneously, we prevented the reuse of mobile numbers previously used for SMS authentication on permanently banned accounts with respect to other accounts.
However, our internal analysis based on various data sources revealed that cheaters in some regions were exploiting proxy authentication techniques to access Ranked. Consequently, we recognized that the current SMS authentication system was insufficient to deter cheaters from re-entering Ranked.
In light of this, the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Anti-Cheat Team is set to enhance the authentication system for Ranked. This enhancement to combat proxy authentication more effectively will involve 1) introducing ARS authentication and 2) requiring re-authentication with the same number.
It's important to note that these changes won't be universally applied. Instead, they will be selectively employed in cases deemed necessary to uphold a fair gaming environment and safeguard player accounts.
Further details are provided below.
Changes
Authentication System
The following changes apply to accounts subject to the new authentication system.
We may request ARS authentication instead of the former SMS authentication.
ARS authentication involves providing players with a PIN code over a phone call.
Accounts previously authenticated for Ranked can still be requested to re-authenticate via ARS, which must be completed before they can play Ranked.
Re-authentication can only be completed using the mobile number you used for your prior authentication.
If you try to authenticate with a new number, you will not be able to proceed.
Target Accounts
Suspected compromised accounts
Accounts returning after a long period of inactivity
Accounts that the system determines need re-authentication.
※ Furthermore, we will take into account other conditions that we consider vital for safeguarding your account, including alterations in your PC or connection region.
FAQ
Q. I'm not receiving a phone call that delivers a PIN code.
A. Firstly, please check if you have entered your mobile number correctly. If you have entered your number correctly, the outgoing ARS authentication number may have been blocked. In this case, please review the list of blocked numbers and proceed to unblock the number before trying the authentication process again.
Q. I was asked to authenticate with the number I used in the past, but I have changed/lost that number and can no longer use it. Will I no longer be able to play Ranked on this account?
A. In case you cannot use your previous mobile number for authentication, don't hesitate to reach out to PUBG Support for assistance. When contacting us, please provide a screenshot of the ARS authentication message shown in the example below, along with your account information. After reviewing the information, we will assist you in authenticating your new number for Ranked.
Strengthening the Ranked authentication system is just one step in our ongoing efforts. Our commitment to creating a fairer gaming environment extends to continuous improvements and measures. Meanwhile, we will keep you informed about any future Anti-Cheat plans or changes. See you in the next Dev Letter.
Thank you.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Anti-Cheat Team
PGC 2023 Broadcasting Channels and Talents
Hello, PUBG Esports fans!
The PUBG Global Championship is only about a week away!
PGC 2023 will be providing English Broadcast for global PUBG Esports audience with multiple other languages with our best PUBG Esports talents and casters.
Scroll down to find out live broadcast links for your region.
PUBG Global Championship Calendar
Group Stage November 18 - 21
Losers Bracket November 23 - 24
Winners Bracket November 25 - 26
Last Chance November 27 - 28
Grand Finals December 1 - 3
Broadcast Time All matches are expected to start at 18:00 ICT local time. (11:00 UTC / 12:00 CET / 20:00 KST / 03:00 PST)
Where to watch PUBG Global Championship LIVE broadcasts:
Experience the PGC 2023 live broadcast at PUBGEsports.com, now featuring our multi-view system. Dive into the action not only through the main broadcast but also by selecting from a map view and team feeds of your preferences!
Currently, we offer an exclusive selection of 6 team feeds, and we're committed to expanding this feature. PUBG Esports is dedicated to evolving and enhancing your battle royale spectating experience. Share your feedback with the PUBG Esports community — we're excited to hear your thoughts!
Having a brr-illiant November? Warm up with some special drops in this month's login and Black Market events! We especially have tons of Contraband Coupons prepared, so don't miss out!
※ Event details can be checked via the in-game lobby event page.
7 Day Check-In Event 1 & 2
Mission
Log in daily. (Resets every day at 2 AM UTC.)
Obtainable Rewards
- Black Market 2023 Event Loot Caches - Credits - Black Market Vouchers - Contraband Coupons
Duration
PC Event 1: November 8, 7 AM - November 21, 7 AM UTC Event 2: November 22, 7 AM - December 5, 7 AM UTC
Console Event 1: November 16, 7 AM - November 29, 7 AM UTC Event 2: November 30, 7 AM - December 13, 7 AM UTC
Black Market Open Event
Missions
- Use a First Aid Kit. - Get kills or assists. - Survive 30 minutes in total. Survival time includes time spent spectating your teammates.
Obtainable Rewards
- Black Market 2023 Event Loot Caches
Duration
PC: November 8, 7 AM - November 28, 7 AM UTC Console: November 16, 7 AM - December 6, 7 AM UTC
Black Market 2023 Event
Missions
- Visit the Black Market 2023 Crafting menu in the Workshop. - Disassemble at least 1 Imprint in the Workshop. - Use at least 1 Black Market 2023 Token to craft items in the Workshop. - Open Black Market 2023 Loot Cache(s) in the Workshop.
We are sharing the banned players list for the past week to raise awareness about the abuse of illegal software and the consequences of misconduct. Please refer to the list of players who have been banned for violating rules of conduct.
※ The banned players list attached on this page shows the in-game nicknames of the permanently banned accounts, and the first 3 letters of each nickname have been replaced with "*".
※ Please report illegal software and misconduct through in-game reports first and if you need additional assistance, please contact PUBG Support.
※ To ensure that your valuable account is not abused or banned for using illegal software/misconduct, please make sure you sign up for Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator.
We highly value your interest and opinions that contribute to PUBG's anti-cheat efforts. We will do our best to provide a fair gaming environment.
Thank you.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Anti-Cheat Team
November Store Update 2023
Hello players!
Welcome to the eleventh Store update of 2023. In November's Store update, we're delighted to announce the grand opening of Black Market 2023 and another Double G-COIN event to add to the festivity!
The long-awaited Progressive Weapon Skins are returning for the Black Market along with some fresh items, so prepare for a shopping spree!
Bundle/Set Items
To make the Store even more easily accessible, starting with the November Store update, bundle/set items will be automatically opened when purchased. This feature applies to the following items.
Regular skin bundle/set items that can be purchased with G-COIN from the Store
New Items and Skins
※ The items below may reappear through other in-game platforms (such as the Workshop, Your Shop, etc.) and/or events and promotions even after their sales periods.
※ The sales periods shown below are subject to change.
Black Market 2023
The Black Market has opened, allowing you to acquire the items you've been dreaming of and perhaps even a few surprises along the way. Explore the selection of returning Progressive Weapon Skins, costumes, and brand-new special crafting items!
UTC: November 8, After live server maintenance - December 6, 12 AM
KST: November 8, After live server maintenance - December 6, 9 AM
Console
UTC: November 16, After live server maintenance - December 14, 1 AM
KST: November 16, After live server maintenance - December 14, 10 AM
Special Crafting Closing Date
※ The Special Crafting - Black Market 2023 tab will be accessible only until the following dates.
PC
UTC: December 11, 12 AM
KST: December 11, 9 AM
Console
UTC: December 19, 1 AM
KST: December 19, 10 AM
Double G-COIN
Get the most out of the Black Market with our double G-COIN promotion!
※ Each bundle can be purchased only once per account during the sales period.
Sales Period
PC
UTC: November 8, After live server maintenance - November 15, 2 AM
KST: November 8, After live server maintenance - November 15, 11 AM
Console
UTC: November 16, After live server maintenance - November 23, 1 AM
KST: November 16, After live server maintenance - November 23, 10 AM
Have fun shopping!
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Team
PUBG X KFC First Come First Served Event Winners
Hello players!
A heartfelt thank you to all who took part in the KFC First Come First Served event! Owing to your enthusiasm and participation, we're currently experiencing a high demand for our chicken.
But without further ado, let us announce the winners!
Rewards and Winners
KFC Chicken Bucket Spray (x1) - The reward will be delivered to your Customize → Utility page starting from November 7 UTC.
- If it's discovered that your content isn't original, your winning status and rewards can be rescinded even post-distribution. - Ensure your shared content remains Public until the event's conclusion and throughout the reward issuance phase. - Changing your nickname post-participation could cause issues for your reward eligibility. - By participating, you're granting KRAFTON and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS the right to feature your content on their official channels. - Please retain original files as they might be requested. - Winner content may be utilized for promotional activities and could undergo modifications or re-structuring.
Congratulations to all winners! See you at our next event.
PUBG Care Package EP. 2 Summary Available!
Hello players,
As we wrap up our second live episode of PUBG Care Package, we'd like to send a heartfelt thank you for the support you've shown us during the live broadcast.
And for those who couldn't catch us live, the VOD is now available, featuring in-depth in-game insights and anti-cheat content. Don't miss it!
Below, you can also find a concise summary of the highlights.
Following the rate of fire modification, the AUG's usage rate stands at roughly 29%, with a win rate nearing 53%. Given its dominant performance, we've decided to readjust its performance in the #26.2 update.
Conversely, the Dragunov displays a usage rate of around 9% and a win rate close to 45.7%. While it remains a choice pick among esports and high-tier players, our goal is to refine this weapon, making it more approachable for the broader player base.
Map Rotation
Map preferences differ significantly, not only by region but also among players within the same server. While Erangel is the preferred choice for larger maps, Sanhok's popularity sees variations across regions. Catering to such diverse tastes presents its challenges.
However, we're committed to accommodating regional preferences by adjusting the map rotation schedule. We're in active discussions about the best approach. Given the emphasis on fast matchmaking in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, options like removing the rotation system or offering every map aren't viable. Our long-term strategy is centered on enhancing the quality of each map.
Tactical Gear
Following the announcement of the updated Tactical Gear based on player feedback, we had decided against implementing it on the Live Server. Our primary motive for introducing it to the #26.1 Test Server was to collect player insights - regrettably, we acknowledge that our communication regarding this action might not have been as clear as intended.
Test Server
We acknowledge the feedback suggesting that the gap between the Test Server's launch and the Live Server update feels too tight. Additionally, we recognize concerns regarding the Test Server's download size. We're consistently re-evaluating the role and operation of the Test Server - and moving forward, we'd like to open the Test Server primarily for essential feature testing. We're also exploring methods to decrease its download size and potentially introduce a testing environment within the Live Server.
Recall System
We've observed diverse feedback regarding the Recall System. Some players find it challenging and new, while others highly appreciate it, suggesting its expansion across all maps. We're deliberating the best approach to refine this system. We're committed to closely listening to your perspectives and suggestions to improve this feature.
Sandstorm and Blizzard Zone
Numerous players have expressed concerns about the danger zones, particularly requesting for their removal from Esports and Ranked modes. In response to your feedback, we intend to decrease the occurrence of these zones after Phase 5. We're also aware of the concerns about receiving damage inside buildings and are working to address this.
Thermal 4x Scope
We've adjusted the Thermal 4x Scope to spawn solely in specific locations, increasing its rarity. However, we're still observing negative feedback regarding this scope. While a conclusive decision on this equipment has not been made, we are diligently reviewing it based on the feedback we've gathered.
The PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Anti-Cheat Team enforces permanent bans on around 60,000 to 70,000 accounts every week. In the first half of this year, we imposed permanent bans on roughly 1.7 million accounts, marking a 39% increase compared to the same period last year. It's essential to note that this rise in bans results from enhancements in our detection capabilities and not an upsurge in the number of cheaters. Suspected cheaters constitute about 0.33% of all players, and we are continuously enhancing our Anti-Cheat measures to combat the use of illegal software.
Regarding hardware bans, there is a misconception that they are not implemented, but this is not true. Hardware bans are indeed in place, but they might not always be immediately evident to players since we sometimes place permanent bans after temporary bans. In the meantime, we've observed consistent efforts by cheaters to circumvent hardware bans. To address this issue, we introduced our own hardware ban system through Zakynthos in May 2021. Since then, we've noticed a decline in attempts to bypass hardware bans. Moreover, with the implementation of additional countermeasures in the latter half of 2022, we've witnessed a gradual decrease in related metrics throughout the latter half of this year.
We understand that not all players may immediately perceive the impact of our countermeasures, but it is clear that we've consistently seen improvements in our metrics compared to the past. In PUBG, where a single cheater can disrupt the gaming experience for many players in a single match, the impact on individual players can be substantial. We acknowledge that there is more work to be done, and we remain committed to our mission to eradicate the use of illegal software completely.
Given the sensitive nature of Anti-Cheat where security is paramount, it's difficult to share extensive details about our work with players, as this could potentially aid cheaters. Nevertheless, we are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with our players by sharing the positive changes and enhancements within PUBG Anti-Cheat.
Anti-ESP (Fog of War)
Extra Sensory Perception (ESP), the illegal software that pinpoints other players' positions, stands as one of the most frequently encountered cheating methods that disrupt fair gameplay. In our pursuit of a more comprehensive solution, we thought that it is more important to permanently disable ESP. Therefore, we have recently taken a significant step by introducing the Fog of War system. This system effectively hinders ESP users from detecting the locations of other players. Since its implementation, we have observed a substantial 70% reduction in the attack range of ESP users.
Cheating on Console
We acknowledge that on console platforms, as well as PC, some players resort to unauthorized software or keyboard and mouse usage to disrupt the integrity of fair gaming. While we persistently impose penalties on these individuals, we acknowledge that there remain areas for enhancement in our measures. To address this, we are actively enhancing our detection capabilities, drawing insights from a diverse range of data sources.
Concluding Today's Announcement
Lastly, we'd like to address a couple of misconceptions regarding PUBG Anti-Cheat. Firstly, the notion that we are engaged in selling and profiting from illegal software is entirely unfounded. Access to Anti-Cheat-related code is rigorously controlled, even among our internal staff. This makes any collaboration unfeasible.
Additionally, there's a rumor that we selectively impose bans on players based on their level, spending in PUBG, origin, or in-game currencies. We want to make it unequivocally clear that we apply bans impartially to all players, irrespective of these factors.
For a more comprehensive discussion about Gameplay and Anti-Cheat including unauthorized programs both past and present, measures to prevent cheaters from entering the game, false bans, and our ban criteria, be sure to watch the VOD above. We'll also be keeping you updated about the state of Anti-Cheat and our forthcoming plans through our Anti-Cheat Dev Letters.
We are sharing the banned players list for the past week to raise awareness about the abuse of illegal software and the consequences of misconduct. Please refer to the list of players who have been banned for violating rules of conduct.
※ The banned players list attached on this page shows the in-game nicknames of the permanently banned accounts, and the first 3 letters of each nickname have been replaced with "*".
※ Please report illegal software and misconduct through in-game reports first and if you need additional assistance, please contact PUBG Support.
※ To ensure that your valuable account is not abused or banned for using illegal software/misconduct, please make sure you sign up for Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator.
We highly value your interest and opinions that contribute to PUBG's anti-cheat efforts. We will do our best to provide a fair gaming environment.
Thank you.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Anti-Cheat Team
Black Market 2023
Black Market 2023
The Black Market, loaded with premium merchandise, is set to open for business.
As per reliable sources, it is said that this first-ever Black Market restocked exclusive items that were previously hard to come by. Swing by the Hideout to crack open Contraband Crates, secure your new Crafter Pass, or pay a visit to the Store to obtain Black Market Tokens for some exceptional Special Crafting! Seize this wonderful chance to finally get your hands on those coveted items.
Originality returns in Black Market 2023 - an array of returning Progressive Weapon Skins and outfits, along with some new additions!
Progressive Weapon Skins Return, with Chroma
Hideout: Contraband Crate
Introducing the first products of the Black Market! These special Contraband Crates will showcase two different Progressive Weapon Skins each week.
From nostalgic re-releases of Progressive Weapon Skins to brand new Chromas that add a fresh flavor to your memories, these Black Market 2023 Contraband Crates are definitely not something you would want to miss.
※ The unlockable cosmetics for PROGRESSIVE Weapon Skins can be found on the Hideout - Weapon page.
※ The probabilities for items obtainable from Contraband Crates can be found on the Hideout - Contraband - More Details - Probability to acquire page.
New Items
Gear Head I - Black Market 2023 Contraband Crate
Buzzkill - Black Market 2023 Contraband Crate
Neon Dream - Black Market 2023 Contraband Crate
Trick-or-treat - Black Market 2023 Contraband Crate
※ Black Market 2023 Contraband Crates can also be opened with Black Market Vouchers.
So how do I get those Black Market Tokens...? Acquire them along with a variety of Prime Parcel goods through the Black Market 2023 Loot Cache Packs!
Items List
Black Market 2023 Loot Cache Pack (x1) (250 G-COIN)
Bonus Items: 15 Black Market 2023 Token
Black Market 2023 Loot Cache Pack (x11) (2,500 G-COIN)
Bonus Items: 150 Black Market 2023 Token
Black Market 2023 Loot Cache Pack (x27) (6,250 G-COIN)
Bonus Items: Black Market 2023 Prime Parcel (x1), 400 Black Market 2023 Token
Black Market 2023 Loot Cache Pack (x55) (12,500 G-COIN)
Bonus Items: Black Market 2023 Prime Parcel (x2), 800 Black Market 2023 Token
※ Keys are not required to open the Loot Caches.
Sales Period
PC
UTC: November 8, After live server maintenance - December 6, 12 AM
KST: November 8, After live server maintenance - December 6, 9 AM
Console
UTC: November 16, After live server maintenance - December 14, 1 AM
KST: November 16, After live server maintenance - December 14, 10 AM
Black Market 2023 Token Expiry Date
※ All expired tokens will be removed from the inventory and cannot be used or exchanged with other items once they have expired.
PC
UTC: December 11, 12 AM
KST: December 11, 9 AM
Console
UTC: December 19, 1 AM
KST: December 19, 10 AM
Preview
Players can preview all the items included in the Loot Cache Packs.
Expiry dates for Black Market Tokens are available in the Store preview.
Black Market 2023 Event
Items aren't the only things we've prepared. Participate in the Black Market events and receive awesome rewards!
Check out more events from our November Special Drops Announcement next week!
Event Missions and Rewards
[table] [tr] [th]Missions[/th] [th]Rewards[/th] [/tr] [tr] [td]Visit the Black Market 2023 Crafting menu in the Workshop[/td] [td]Hunter's Chest (x1)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Disassemble at least 1 Imprint in the Workshop[/td] [td]Credit (x100)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Use at least 1 Black Market 2023 Token to craft items in the Workshop[/td] [td]Contraband Coupon (x20)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Open 1 Black Market 2023 Loot Cache in the Workshop[/td] [td]Black Market Voucher (x1)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Open 5 Black Market 2023 Loot Cache in the Workshop[/td] [td]Black Market Voucher (x2)[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Open 10 Black Market 2023 Loot Cache in the Workshop[/td] [td]Black Market Voucher (x3)[/td] [/tr] [/table] Event Schedule
