PUBG Mobile India Relaunch: Now Battlegrounds Mobile India

Battlegrounds Mobile India: PUBG Mobile's Return to the Indian Market

Krafton, the South Korean game development company behind PUBG Mobile, announced on Thursday the re-introduction of the popular game to India. It will be branded as Battlegrounds Mobile India. The new iteration closely resembles PUBG Mobile, featuring the Indian flag’s color scheme.

A World-Class Mobile Gaming Experience

The company states that Battlegrounds Mobile India will deliver a “world class AAA multiplayer” experience. It will be available as a free-to-play game on mobile devices for Indian gamers.

Pre-Registration and Exclusive Development

Krafton indicated that pre-registration for Battlegrounds Mobile India will commence “soon,” though a specific launch date remains undisclosed. This version of the game has been specifically developed for India, the world’s second-largest internet market.

Esports and In-Game Events

The developer plans to collaborate with various partners to foster a thriving esports ecosystem. Regular in-game content updates are also planned, beginning with India-specific events that will be revealed at a later date.

The Ban and Krafton's Response

This announcement follows months after the Indian government banned PUBG Mobile, along with approximately 200 other applications linked to China, citing concerns regarding national security. Following the ban, Krafton undertook several measures.

Data Security and Privacy

These measures included severing ties with its publishing partner, Tencent. A global cloud partnership with Microsoft was also established, alongside a commitment to invest $100 million in India’s mobile gaming sector.

Krafton emphasized that data privacy and security are paramount. They will collaborate with partners to ensure robust data protection throughout all stages. This commitment includes full compliance with all relevant Indian laws and regulations regarding data collection and storage.

Government Approval and Previous Teasers

The company did not disclose whether discussions with the Indian government occurred or if approval for the launch of Battlegrounds Mobile India has been granted. Krafton has previously hinted at the possibility of PUBG Mobile’s return to India.

PUBG Mobile's Previous Popularity

Before the ban, PUBG Mobile was the most widely played mobile game in India. The application had accumulated over 50 million monthly active users within the country.

Continued Usage Despite the Ban

Even after the ban, PUBG Mobile maintained a significant user base in India, with over 19 million users accessing the game last month. Many players utilized VPNs and other methods to circumvent the geographical restrictions.

Impact on the Indian Gaming Landscape

The game’s popularity spurred the growth of an entire esports ecosystem. It also created opportunities for streamers and content creators who capitalized on its spectator-friendly gameplay, according to Rishi Alwani, an analyst of the Indian gaming market and editor of IGN India.

Restrictions for Minors

Battlegrounds Mobile India will incorporate several restrictions designed to safeguard the well-being of younger players. Minors will be required to provide a parent or guardian’s phone number to access the game.