PUBG MOBILE opens second Africa Rising Designer season with paid internships

PUBG MOBILE has launched the second season of its Rising Designer program across Africa, offering design students a shot at two paid internships and possible in-game features. Applications close Sept. 1, 2026, as the company expands its push to spotlight African creative talent.

Why it matters: - PUBG MOBILE is using a game-linked internship pipeline to help young African designers get real studio experience and global exposure. - The program targets a gap in the creative economy, where entry-level opportunities are getting scarcer as junior tasks become more automated. - The initiative also gives African creators a path to shape in-game content, which can turn student work into visible portfolio pieces.

What happened: - PUBG MOBILE launched season 2 of Rising Designer across Africa. - The program offers two paid internship placements at design studios across the continent. - Winning interns may also see their creations featured in PUBG MOBILE as part of the company’s “For Africa, By Africa” initiative. - Applications are open to design students in Africa and close on 1 September 2026. - The company said season 2 has already received more than 50 applications, with more than 100 expected before the deadline.

The details: - Rising Designer is part of PUBG MOBILE’s global Ptopia Design Project, which identifies design talent from around the world. - The Africa-focused internship program is built specifically for African design students. - The first season included partner universities such as the Academy of Digital Arts, Vega School, the Academic Institute of Excellence and the University of Johannesburg. - Loud Rabbits, a Cape Town design studio, placed two season 1 interns in 2025. - Tshwane University of Technology was among the first partner universities in the program. - Season 1 winner Ibukun Awe secured an internship at Loud Rabbits in Cape Town. - Season 1 winner Musawenkosi Masondo also worked at Loud Rabbits through the program. - PUBG MOBILE says the competition has no restrictions on creative style. - Contest entries must include male and female character outfits, shown front and back, plus an upgradeable firearm design. - Applicants must first submit artwork to the main PDP competition at the PDP 2026 submission page. - Applicants must then complete the Rising Designer internship application at the Rising Designer application page.

Between the lines: - PUBG MOBILE is trying to convert its large African player base into a talent pipeline for local designers. - The program also gives the company a way to localize game content with African-inspired creative work. - The model blends skills training, employment exposure and brand storytelling in one program. - Season 1 feedback from interns and partner studios suggests the internships are being used as a real studio bridge, not just a contest prize.

What’s next: - PUBG MOBILE will select the new cohort from submissions before the 1 September deadline. - The winning interns are expected to work directly on PUBG MOBILE projects and may have their work featured in the game. - More partner studios and universities could be added as the program grows beyond its second season.

The bottom line: - Rising Designer is becoming PUBG MOBILE’s Africa-specific talent pipeline, giving student designers a paid route into studio work and a chance at global visibility.