PUBG returns: India version soon; plans $100mn investment

PUBG Corporation, the creator of Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), and a subsidiary of South Korea’s Krafton Inc, on Thursday (November 12) announced that it will launch PUBG Mobile India, a new game created specifically for the Indian market.

The version of the app was earlier published by the Chinese company Tencent. But, in September, the government banned 118 Chinese apps, including PUBG as it was licensed to Tencent.

The company also revealed plans to provide a secure and healthy gameplay environment alongside investments to cultivate local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries.

Related News: China’s Tencent will no longer publish PUBG in India

“With privacy and security of Indian player data being a top priority for PUBG Corporation, the company will conduct regular audits and verifications on the storage systems holding Indian users’ personally identifiable information to reinforce security and ensure that their data is safely managed,” PUBG Corporation said in a press release.

“To build and foster a healthy gameplay environment, in-game content will be improved and tailored to reflect local needs. Various aspects of the game will be customised for Indian gamers, such as the game now being set in a virtual simulation training ground, new characters automatically starting clothed, and green hit effects to reflect the virtual nature of the game. More importantly, the company will include a feature that places restrictions on game time to promote healthy gameplay habits for younger players,” it added.

Related News: Gamers disappointed with PUBG ban

PUBG Corporation also announced plans to create an Indian subsidiary to enhance communications and services with players. The Indian company will hire over 100 employees specialising in business, esports, and game development. In addition to establishing a local office, the company will look to actively collaborate and leverage local businesses to strengthen its gaming service, the company said.

With Krafton, PUBG Corporation plans to make investments worth $100mn in India to cultivate the local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries. The company also plans to make investments by hosting India-exclusive esports events, which will feature the biggest tournaments, the largest prize pools, and the best tournament productions, PUBG Corporation said.

“Dear fans, To comply with the interim order of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology dated September 2, 2020, Tencent Games will terminate all service and access for users in India to PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik and PUBG MOBILE Lite (together, “PUBG Mobile”) on October 30, 2020. The rights to publish PUBG MOBILE in India will be returned to the owner of the PUBG intellectual property,” PUBG Mobile said last month.

“More information on the launch of PUBG Mobile India will be released at a later date,” the company said.