By The immensely popular battle royale game, PUBG Mobile, might be making a comeback to India soon, albeit under a new name. Teasers released by the game’s developers hint at a potential rebranding to “Battlegrounds Mobile India,” an exclusive version tailored specifically for Indian gamers.
Name Change Confirmation
The transformation to “Battlegrounds Mobile India” seems imminent as PUBG Mobile India’s official Facebook and YouTube pages have already switched to the new name. This shift solidifies the likelihood of the game adopting its India-exclusive moniker.
Teaser and Speculations
While a brief teaser video was briefly available on the game’s YouTube channel before being made private, keen-eyed Twitter users managed to capture screenshots. These teasers and name changes hint at an impending relaunch.
The Ban Saga
PUBG Mobile faced a ban in September last year due to its association with Tencent, a Chinese company. The ban was part of a broader prohibition targeting numerous Chinese apps and games, citing concerns about national sovereignty, defense, security, and public order.
Subsequently, Krafton Inc., PUBG’s developers, severed ties with Tencent and are now set to reintroduce the game under the banner of PUBG Corporation.
Regulatory Approval Uncertainty
While the relaunch is eagerly anticipated, it’s crucial to note that the Indian government has not yet given explicit approval for PUBG Mobile India’s comeback. A recent response to an RTI query suggests that the government doesn’t provide formal permission for website, mobile app, or service launches.
However, this absence of explicit approval doesn’t necessarily hinder the game’s reentry, especially if it operates under a new corporate identity like PUBG Corporation instead of Tencent Games.
Resilient Plans and Investments
Despite the regulatory uncertainties, Krafton remains undeterred. The company announced ambitious plans to establish an Indian subsidiary, complete with a local office, a sizable workforce of 100 employees, and a substantial investment of $100 million.
As anticipation builds for the relaunch, gaming enthusiasts and industry watchers eagerly await further updates regarding the much-anticipated arrival of Battlegrounds Mobile India. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this front.
