Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), the popular battle royale game that was banned in India in July 2022, is finally making a comeback. Krafton, the South Korean company that developed and published the game, has announced that it has received permission from the Indian authorities to resume operations of BGMI. The game will be available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store soon.
Why Was BGMI Banned in India?
BGMI was launched in India on June 18, 2022, as a rebranded version of PUBG Mobile, which was banned by the Indian government on September 2, 2020, along with 117 other Chinese apps, due to data privacy and security concerns. PUBG Mobile was accused of sending user data to servers located in China and violating the sovereignty and integrity of India.
Krafton tried to address these concerns by cutting ties with Tencent, the Chinese company that had the publishing rights for PUBG Mobile in India, and creating a new game exclusively for the Indian market. BGMI claimed to have complied with all the applicable laws and regulations in India and ensured data protection and user safety. The game also introduced some India-specific features, such as green blood, fully clothed characters, and a warning message that reminded players that it was a simulation game.
However, these measures were not enough to convince the Indian government, which banned BGMI on July 28, 2022, under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The government stated that BGMI was engaging in activities prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of state, and public order. The game was removed from Google Play Store and Apple App Store and blocked from accessing any internet service in India.
How Did Krafton Bring Back BGMI to India?
Krafton did not give up on its efforts to bring back BGMI to India. The company said that it respected the decision of the Indian government and was working closely with them to address their concerns and resolve the issues. Krafton also expressed its gratitude to the Indian gaming community for their support and patience over the past few months.
According to some media reports, Krafton submitted a detailed report to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) explaining how it had taken several steps to ensure compliance with all the applicable regulations in India. Some of these steps included:
- Storing user data on servers located in India and Singapore only
- Obtaining consent from users before collecting and processing their personal information
- Implementing strict security measures to prevent any unauthorized access or leakage of user data
- Conducting regular audits and reviews of its data protection practices
- Establishing a grievance redressal mechanism for users to report any issues or complaints
- Creating awareness campaigns on responsible gaming and digital well-being
Krafton also highlighted its commitment to the Indian gaming ecosystem and its contribution to its growth and development. The company said that it had invested $100 million in the Indian gaming industry, collaborated with local developers and content creators, and promoted cutting-edge technologies and innovation. Krafton also claimed that BGMI had played a pivotal role in building the esports scene in India by offering India-centric events and content.
After reviewing Krafton’s report and verifying its claims, MeitY decided to lift the ban on BGMI and allow it to resume operations in India. The ministry issued an order to unblock the game from app stores and internet services on May 18, 2023. However, the ministry also warned Krafton that it would monitor the game closely and take action if it found any violation of its rules or any threat to national security or public order.
What Can Players Expect from BGMI’s Comeback?
BGMI’s comeback is a big relief for millions of fans who have been eagerly waiting for the game’s return. According to Krafton, BGMI had surpassed 100 million cumulative users in less than two years before the ban. The game had also achieved record-breaking downloads and ratings on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Krafton has announced that it will soon release an update for BGMI that will bring new features, modes, maps, weapons, vehicles, skins, outfits, emotes, and more. The update will also include some bug fixes and performance improvements. Krafton has also promised to offer some rewards and incentives for players who download the game again or invite their friends to join them.
Some of the rewards that players can expect are:
- A welcome gift pack containing various items such as coins, crates, coupons, outfits, etc.
- A loyalty bonus for players who had played BGMI before the ban
- A referral bonus for players who invite their friends to play BGMI
- A comeback event where players can complete missions and earn rewards
- A special tournament where players can compete with other players and win prizes
Krafton has also assured players that their previous progress and achievements will not be lost and that they can continue playing from where they left off. Players can also link their existing accounts with their social media accounts or phone numbers to secure their data and prevent any loss or theft.
Krafton has expressed its excitement in welcoming players back to BGMI and emphasized its vision of creating unforgettable experiences for them. The company has also reiterated its belief in promoting responsible gaming and fostering a healthier gaming culture where players can have fun while taking care of their overall well-being.
BGMI is expected to be available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store by the end of May 2023. Players can visit the official website or follow the social media channels of BGMI for more updates and information.
Source- Facty News
