PUBG Mobile, a remarkably successful game previously prohibited in India for approximately two months due to security considerations, is preparing for a potential re-launch in the world’s second-largest internet market, according to two individuals with knowledge of the situation who spoke with TechCrunch.

The South Korean company has been in discussions with leading global cloud service providers in recent weeks to ensure Indian user data is stored within the country, addressing concerns raised by New Delhi regarding data localization and security, one of these sources revealed.

Updated at 2.09PM IST on November 7: Krafton, the parent company of PUBG Corporation, has announced a comprehensive global partnership with Microsoft. This collaboration will see games, including PUBG Mobile, developed by Krafton or its subsidiaries, being hosted on Microsoft Azure. “Krafton prioritizes user privacy and data security, and will collaborate with Microsoft to safeguard personal data utilizing Azure,” stated Krafton. Microsoft maintains data center regions worldwide, with three located in India. Our initial report from Friday is presented below.

PUBG Corporation has reportedly communicated to several prominent streamers within the country that they anticipate resuming service in India before the year’s end, the other source indicated. Both sources have requested to remain anonymous as they are not authorized to make public statements. PUBG Corporation has not yet responded to a request for comment as of Thursday.

The company may announce its plans for India as early as this week. Furthermore, it is considering a marketing initiative in the country coinciding with the Diwali festival next week, one source mentioned.

In recent weeks, PUBG has also been exploring potential partnerships with various local companies, including Paytm, which is supported by SoftBank, and the telecommunications provider Airtel, to investigate the possibility of publishing the popular mobile game within India, according to an industry insider. A representative from Paytm declined to provide a statement.

Initially, the PUBG Mobile apps in India were published by the Chinese company Tencent. Following the ban on PUBG Mobile, the gaming firm ended its publishing agreement with Tencent in the country. Before the ban, PUBG Mobile’s data was hosted on Tencent Cloud.

In late October, two months after the ban was implemented, PUBG Mobile discontinued its service for Indian users. The company stated at the time, “User data protection has consistently been a primary concern, and we have always adhered to all relevant data protection laws and regulations in India. All user gameplay data is handled with transparency, as outlined in our privacy policy.”

Prior to its prohibition, PUBG Mobile boasted over 50 million monthly active users in India, making it the most widely played mobile game in the nation. It fostered a thriving ecosystem of esports organizations and a growing community of streamers who capitalized on its engaging spectator experience, explained Rishi Alwani, a veteran analyst of the Indian gaming market and the publisher of The Mako Reactor.

The potential return of PUBG Mobile, however, could present challenges for several companies in the industry, particularly those currently developing comparable games to capitalize on its absence and those engaged in funding discussions with venture capital firms.

It would also suggest that the more than 200 other Chinese applications that India has banned in recent months might be able to address New Delhi’s concerns by modifying their data storage practices. (This was also the basis of understanding between TikTok and Reliance during their earlier discussions regarding investment opportunities this year.)