PUBG Studios Madison Brought Creativity and Connection to Life with YuMuuv
Company: PUBG Studios Madison
Industry: Video Game Development
Employees: ~80 globally distributed
Interviewee: Liz Schulz, HR Associate
Challenge Type: Steps + Activity Minutes
Duration: 1 Month
Goal: Foster cross-team connection and wellness
Building Global Connection in a Creative Studio
When PUBG Studios Madison, one of the development divisions behind PUBG, wanted to bring its globally scattered creative talent closer together, HR Associate Liz Schulz saw YuMuuv as the perfect fit.
“We have artists, coders, designers, and animators across different countries. We wanted people to team up with those they wouldn’t normally work with day-to-day — to connect and recharge creatively.”
The studio’s mission was simple: boost collaboration and morale, promote wellness, and keep the spirit of play alive beyond screens.
Why YuMuuv
Having experimented with internal challenges like a healthy habits bingo and a virtual 5K, the team was ready for a platform that could automate tracking and feel more immersive.
“In the past, I've tracked everything manually in Excel. YuMuuv made it easier, fairer, and way more engaging.”
YuMuuv’s inclusive approach allowed employees to log both steps and general activity minutes — whether through running, yoga, climbing, or creative movement of any kind.
The Challenge Design
- Format: 1-month wellness challenge
- Metrics: Steps + Activity Minutes
- Participation: ~40 employees (nearly half the studio)
- Creative Goal: Log enough steps to “walk” from Seattle, WA → Spain, stopping at studio hubs along the way
“We didn’t quite make it to Spain,” Schnee laughs. “But we got as far as New York — and that’s a win in our book.”
Teams were named after PUBG maps, from Erangel to Miramar, and a dedicated Slack channel became the virtual hub for photos, encouragement, and friendly banter.
“We had people sharing pictures of hikes, rock-climbing gyms, and lunchtime walks. It made remote work feel social again.”
Engagement & Impact
Post-challenge survey results highlighted the success:
- 7.3/10 average engagement score
- 70% said they increased activity levels
- 25% maintained consistent movement
- Only 5% reported moving less
“People told us the challenge encouraged them to step away from their desks — to move, refresh, and come back more creative.”
Lessons Learned
The inclusive structure also surfaced some creative challenges. Some participants’ smartwatches logged outdoor activity sessions that lasted hours, creating an imbalance in total minutes.
To make future competitions fairer, the team is exploring:
- Dividing modes (Casual vs. Intense)
- Balanced team assignments
- Consistency-based goals (e.g., completing 25 active days per month)
“We learned to design inclusivity not only in who can join, but in how we measure success.”
Rewards & Recognition
Prizes reflected both individual effort and teamwork:
- Top Team (Steps Challenge): Gift cards for each member
- Top 3 Individuals (Activity Minutes): Gift cards for personal achievement
“Tracking the goal of collective steps and map-themed teams made it feel like a studio-wide adventure.”
What’s Next
The studio plans to bring YuMuuv back in January for a New Year’s challenge — using lessons learned to refine scoring and sustain engagement.
“Coordinate team captains in advance to create more team hype”
With a culture rooted in creativity, experimentation, and collaboration, PUBG Studios Madison turned physical activity into shared inspiration.
