PUBG Director Reflects on the Difficulty of Success

In a candid admission about the volatile nature of modern gaming, PUBG franchise director Taeseok Jang recently discussed why it is really hard to succeed every time. Speaking in an interview with GamesRadar, Jang addressed the recent high-profile setbacks faced by major live-service titles like Concord and Highguard. Rather than dismissing these failures, the director has made a point of trying to learn lessons from their struggles to better navigate his own projects.

Putting Himself in Developers' Shoes

Jang revealed that he maintains personal connections with individuals who worked on those troubled games. He explained that having friends involved allows him to view the situation more empathetically and objectively. When reflecting on Concord or Highguard, Jang said he actively tries to put himself in the developers' shoes. His internal monologue during these reflections often centers on asking, "What could I have done better in that situation?"

This approach of perspective-taking is crucial for a director aiming to avoid similar pitfalls in the competitive live-service market. By attempting to understand the specific pressures and constraints these teams faced, Jang hopes to gain actionable insights rather than just observing the headlines.

Learning from Industry Setbacks

The industry has seen significant challenges recently, making every success story stand out even more. Jang emphasized that he would "try to have that perspective" as a core part of his leadership philosophy moving forward. This mindset shift allows him to focus on constructive learning rather than blame or speculation.

Key takeaways from Jang's reflections include:

  • Acknowledging the inherent difficulty of maintaining consistent success in live-service gaming
  • Leveraging personal networks to gain deeper insights into specific project challenges
  • Prioritizing empathetic analysis over criticism when studying failures like Concord and Highguard
  • Committing to a continuous learning loop where every setback informs future strategy

By adopting this humble and analytical approach, the PUBG franchise aims to build resilience against the unpredictable nature of the market. As Jang stated, the goal is not just to survive but to understand why certain projects falter so that others can thrive.