Earlier quoted context omitted.
Last I recall from playing unreal 2004, there is a slider to select how many life players have when starting a death match. Battle royale was available, long before battle royale was cool. There were also a lot of other gameplay available on top of death match, all built in: team death match, assault, onslaught, capture the flags, domination, etc...
No, you need the blue circle, looting and big maps as well. Just having one life is not enough.
If you look at good players who win their games, it's a lot about being at the right place at the right time. Get the best stuff and locations for yourself and don't let opponents have anything.