PUBG maker to launch India-only version of its popular mobile game

South Korean gaming major Krafton today unveiled Battlegrounds Mobile India, a similar game to PUBG Mobile, which was banned in the country last year due to national security concerns.

Photo credit: Krafton

With the new India-only title, Krafton plans to collaborate with partners to build an esports ecosystem while bringing in-game content regularly. The company aims to start with a series of specific in-game events centered around the country during its launch, which is set to be announced at a later date.

Krafton also said it will keep privacy and data security as a top priority with Battlegrounds Mobile.

“This will ensure privacy rights are respected, and all data collection and storage will be in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in India and for players here,” the company said in a statement.

Tencent-backed Krafton’s PUBG Mobile was banned in India in September 2020 amid rising political tensions between the country and China. Other apps that were banned include short-video app TikTok, search engine Baidu, business collaboration suite WeChat Work, and online video platform Youku.

As of July 2020, Tencent’s PUBG Mobile had more than 40 million monthly active users in India, accounting for more than a quarter of the titles lifetime installs.

Battlegrounds Mobile India’s launch follows Krafton’s application for preliminary approval for an initial public offering last month. According to a Seoul-based analyst, over-the-counter trades valued the gaming firm at roughly 20 trillion won (US$17.92 billion).