The application of the Emotional Journey model to a non-linear game like PUBG is where this model really shines. The standard Hero’s Journey model does not account for the experience to not be constrained by time or stop before the end.
Here, a few game mechanics are forcing this narrative model onto the play session and therefore create the emotional rides in the player. The balance of a few elements makes this game so engaging. The density of players, density of gear, variation in the environment (buildings vs open field), vehicles, the speed of the blue circle. Change one of those elements and not only the game is unbalanced but you also lose the flow of the emotional journey.
Below is a PUBG streamed play session. The Emotional Journey structure is display as an overlay to show how the session follows the model.