Young people in China are transforming shopping malls into large-scale battle royale gaming zones, blending digital gameplay with physical activity in a trend inspired by popular titles such as PUBG and Peacekeeper Elite.
The augmented reality-powered events are being organised in cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Qingdao, where participants use dedicated technology to recreate video game mechanics in real-world environments.
AR technology brings video game concepts to life
According to reports, the sessions are held during off-hours or periods of low foot traffic, allowing players to use mall corridors and open spaces as immersive gaming arenas.
Participants are equipped with specialised augmented reality sensors connected to a dedicated application. The technology replicates familiar battle royale features, including shrinking safe zones, poison circles and team-based combat scenarios.