Introduction: Battleground Mobile India (BGMI), the popular battle royale game, is making a highly anticipated return after being banned by the Indian government. The game, previously known as PlayerUnknown’s Battleground (PUBG), faced scrutiny for privacy concerns. However, the game’s developer, KRAFTON, Inc., has taken significant measures to address these issues and ensure compliance with Indian laws. With the recent announcement from BGMI’s official social media accounts and website, gamers can look forward to an enhanced and secure gaming experience.
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The Past Bans and Rebranding
In September 2020, PUBG faced a ban by the Indian government due to violations of Indian security and data privacy regulations. Following the ban, KRAFTON, Inc. launched a modified version of the game exclusively for India on July 2, 2021, for Android devices and on August 18, 2021, for iOS devices, called Battleground Mobile India (BGMI). Despite the rebranding, privacy concerns persisted, leading to another ban in July 2022.
The Current Scenario: A New Beginning for BGMI
Recognizing the importance of correcting past mistakes, KRAFTON, Inc. has made substantial efforts to address the concerns raised by the Indian government. Consequently, the Indian authorities have decided to lift the ban on BGMI, granting KRAFTON one final opportunity. This time, the game has been unbanned for a provisional period of three months, during which the government will closely monitor the game’s compliance with regulations. If no significant issues arise during this period, BGMI’s future remains promising.
Here’s what Battleground mobile India (BGMI) official has to say on their website and social media accounts
We would like to express our deep appreciation to the Indian authorities for permitting us to restart the operations of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI). KRAFTON, Inc., as a responsible South Korean company that abides by the law, has put in place several measures to ensure compliance to all Indian laws. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our players, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that we maintain the highest possible standards.
At KRAFTON, Inc., we are our deeply committed to the Indian gaming ecosystem. Our approach has always been India-first, which serves as the foundation of all our efforts. We believe in investing in the Indian gaming industry and contributing to building a vibrant ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation. To achieve our mission, we aim to augment technology developments in India by collaborating with local developers and promoting the use of cutting-edge technologies. We also recognize the importance of providing skilling and employment opportunities for Indian talent, which can help them nurture their skills and thrive in the industry.
We are grateful to our Indian gaming community for their support and patience over the past few months. We are excited to announce that BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA will be available for download soon and we cannot wait to welcome you back to our platform. We believe in the power of gaming to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences. We are committed to delivering exceptional products and services to our users in India and beyond, and we look forward to continuing our journey with you.
Website
Notice
Message for BGMI fans
2023-05-19
Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON, Inc. India, says “We are highly grateful to the Indian authorities for allowing us to resume operations of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI). We would like to extend our gratitude to our Indian gaming community for their support and patience over the past few months. We are excited to announce that BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA will be available for download soon and we cannot wait to welcome you back to our platform. We believe in the power of gaming to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences. We are committed to delivering exceptional products and services to our users in India and beyond, and we look forward to continuing our journey with you.”
He further adds, “At KRAFTON, Inc., we are deeply committed to the Indian gaming ecosystem. Our approach has always been India-first, which serves as the foundation of all our efforts. We believe in investing in the Indian gaming industry and contributing to building a vibrant ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation. To achieve our mission, we aim to augment technology developments in India by collaborating with local developers and promoting the use of cutting-edge technologies. We also recognize the importance of providing skilling and employment opportunities for Indian talent, which can help them nurture their skillset and thrive in the industry.”
We are very humbled by the love we have received for BGMI in less than two years of launching it in the country. The title achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 100 million cumulative users shortly after a year of its launch. Since its inception, BGMI has contributed significantly to building a robust Esports ecosystem in the country by providing India-centric events and content. BGMI made history by becoming the first Esports event to be broadcasted on mainstream television attracting 24 million concurrent viewers and a total of 200 million viewers.”
Vibhor Kukreti, Head Government Affairs, KRAFTON, Inc. India says, “We would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the authorities for permitting us to restart the operations of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI). KRAFTON, Inc. is a responsible South Korean organization that abides by the law and has put in place several measures to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. We work tirelessly to ensure that India takes the lead in this domain by embracing innovative practices in collaboration with the gaming ecosystem to support, sustain and promote its growth.
We strongly encourage our users to prioritize their well-being and follow responsible gaming practices. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our players and believe that by promoting responsible gaming, we can contribute to a healthier gaming culture, where players can enjoy themselves while still taking care of their overall well-being. We want to thank all our fans for their unwavering support, and we want them to know that we are fully committed to bringing BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA back to them soon. Their continued support means a lot to us, and we promise to keep working hard to ensure that they have the best possible gaming experience”
About KRAFTON, Inc.
KRAFTON, Inc. is a South Korean collective of independent game development studios brought together to create innovative and engaging entertainment experiences for gamers across the world. The company consists of Bluehole Studio, Striking Distance Studios, RisingWings, Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds and 5minlab, each with its own unique expertise.
KRAFTON is responsible for premier entertainment properties including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), Road To Valor: Empires, NEW STATE MOBILE, The Callisto Protocol, Moonbreaker, TERA, and ELYON. As a technology-driven company that boasts world-class capabilities, KRAFTON seeks to expand its areas of business beyond games to multimedia entertainment and deep learning.
KRAFTON, Inc. is committed to enhancing the start-up ecosystem in India, with its investment journey in the country beginning in late 2020. So far, the company has invested over $100 million in several Indian startups in the field of interactive entertainment, gaming, Esports and technology such as Nodwin Gaming, Loco, FRND, Pratilipi, One Impression, Nautilus Mobile, Kuku FM, Lila Games.
KRAFTON, Inc. has expressed its deep appreciation to the Indian authorities for allowing the resumption of BGMI’s operations. The company acknowledges the support and patience shown by the Indian gaming community throughout the past months. KRAFTON’s India-first approach underlines its commitment to invest in the Indian gaming industry, foster growth and innovation, and collaborate with local developers to promote cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, KRAFTON recognizes the importance of skilling and employment opportunities for Indian talent within the gaming industry.
Conclusion: The unbanning of Battleground Mobile India marks a new chapter for the game and its dedicated player
What is BGMI?
BGMI, short for Battleground Mobile India, is a popular battle royale mobile game developed by KRAFTON, Inc.
Was BGMI banned in India?
Yes, BGMI was initially banned in India but has now been unbanned.
Is BGMI available for download?
Yes, BGMI is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms.
What measures has KRAFTON taken for compliance?
KRAFTON has implemented measures to ensure compliance with Indian laws and prioritize data security.
How has BGMI contributed to the Indian gaming ecosystem?
BGMI has contributed by hosting India-centric events and providing engaging content for the esports community.
What is KRAFTON’s approach towards the Indian gaming industry?
KRAFTON has an “India-first” approach, investing in the Indian gaming industry and collaborating with local developers.
