The new arena map for the mobile version of the online game PUBG (previously known as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), launched in China today, February 10, has a distinctly Cycladic flavor.

The new map is modeled on the characteristic whitewashed architecture of Santorini, where players will be able to explore the virtual Cycladic world overlooking the Aegean.

The creation is the result of a collaboration between the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) service in China and the Chinese multinational company Tencent (Shenzhen Tencent Computer Systems Company Limited), and aims to promote Greece to more than 46.5 million online followers of the popular game.

The new Greek map will be promoted through the game’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube & TikTok) in 18 different languages, while the total number of views, including registered players, is expected to exceed 600 million worldwide.

According to the GNTO, the advertising benefits for Greece are obvious due to the enormous impact and popularity of the game – one of the most-played video games of all time – as well as future synergies with the largest technology group in China.

With the introduction of Greek destinations and monuments to the game in China, the tourist and cultural brand of Greece is further strengthened, especially among the Generation Z age group, the current and future market for Greek tourism.

The GNTO service in China has already signed a corresponding agreement of cooperation for the development of a Chinese version of the game for Greek fans, which is expected to be released within the year.

PUBG Mobile was released in March 2018 in over 170 countries (excluding China). Since then it remains the most popular game in the world, with more than 1 billion monthly active users, and has been named Best Game by Google Play & Apple Store.

This article was previously published in Greek at moneyreview.gr.