In a move to help assist new and lesser skilled players, PUBG Corp has now added bots to the popular Battle Royale game.

The decision to add bots was explained both on Reddit and as an official blog post. The developer explained that they had noticed “more often that many newer players are being eliminated early with no kills – and oftentimes with no damage dealt”. It seems that players have been complaining about this as it has created a “more challenging environment” and to help cater to these players. The developers have introduced bots with Update 7.1.

The team don’t want bots to have too little or too much loot so analysts and game designers went through game data to figure out what type of loots players pick up and what they usually carry at various points during the game. “For example, you’ll see bots run into close-quarter battles with an SMG early on, while engaging in more long-range SR/DMR firefights later in the match.”

It’s not just looting that the developers have taken into consideration. A lot of thought has gone into the movement of these bots along with how they shoot at players. This is set to only be the first iteration of bots, with future updates set to improve how the bots behave and act more realistically.

Players have had a mixed reaction, with many expressing their concerns on social media including the original post on Reddit. One user stated “Not really liking this idea, seems like it’s watering down the game and taking the seriousness out of it. I’d be less inclined to want to play the game if I’m playing against bots compared to actual players.”

It is important to note that the more experienced and better you are as a player, the less likely that you will come across bots in your matches. Additionally, PUBG is set to receive a new Ranked system next month which will not have any bots.

The full letter to the community can be read on the PUBG blog.

Are you excited for the addition of bots? Or are you one of the players resistant to this change? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.