Battlegrounds Mobile India in trouble ahead of launch as lawmakers call for ban

Battlegrounds Mobile India, Krafton’s Indian version of the banned game PUBG, with a new avatar and new name, is reportedly going to launch in June but the developer’s hope to make a comeback in the Indian market is in threat after parliamentarians and lawmakers have started calling for a blanket ban on the game. 

Former union minister and current MLA from Arunachal Pradesh Ninong Ering wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for a ban on Battlegrounds Mobile India. He wrote in the letter, “the upcoming game is the relaunch of PUBG Mobile.”

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Ering alleged that Krafton has employed workers from China’s Tencent, a leading investor of PUBG Mobile. Moreover, he quoted that Google Play Store’ listing of Battlegrounds Mobile India’s terms and conditions mentions the term ‘PUBG Mobile’. He added that Krafton’s $22.4 million investment in homegrown gaming firm Nodwin is a matter of concern.

Member of Parliament Abhishek Singhvi also joined the list of politicians alleging the game as a re-entry of China’s Tencent Holdings in India, citing a report from IGN India. 

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If the central government pays heed to the requests of the politicians then Battlegrounds India could land in trouble.

Battle Royale game PUBG got banned in India last year under Information Technology Act, striking the app for engaging in activities that are prejudicial to the country’s defence and security.