Reports indicate that the fate of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) hangs in the balance as the cybersecurity division of the Union government weighs recommendations on its future availability in India. According to News18, a senior official from the cybersecurity division has purportedly recommended discontinuing BGMI.
The report suggests that rising concerns over crimes associated with BGMI have caught the attention of authorities. It cites the illegal entry of a foreign national into India as one of the factors, although it's essential to note that PUBG Mobile, not BGMI, was linked to this incident.
Additionally, sources cited by News18 raise concerns about data collected from BGMI potentially posing cyber-attack risks, thereby compromising national security. These sources highlight that BGMI servers are based in the U.S., but law enforcement agencies aim to ensure that data isn't transferred to other servers located elsewhere.
A crucial meeting is scheduled for the following week, during which Krafton, the developer of BGMI, will present its case alongside central agencies to determine the game's fate in India.
For context, BGMI was reinstated in India in May 2023 under a three-month trial approval from the Indian government. This temporary approval followed Krafton's efforts to address various concerns raised by the Indian authorities. Notably, in June 2021, IGN India uncovered data-sharing practices between Battlegrounds Mobile India and Chinese servers.
The Indian gaming community faced a significant blow when BGMI was initially banned in July 2022. The impact was particularly felt in the esports realm, where the game boasted a massive following and significantly contributed to market growth.
India's gaming market has emerged as one of Asia's fastest-growing, projected to reach $1.4 billion in revenue for PC and mobile games by 2026, excluding real-money games. In 2023, the country counted 444 million gamers across various platforms, predominantly mobile. BGMI alone has amassed over 100 million downloads, with a substantial portion engaging in esports activities. Discontinuing such a prominent title could deal a severe blow to the Indian gaming ecosystem.
Moreover, Krafton's commitment of $150 million to invest in Indian gaming startups underscores its dedication to the local industry's growth. The launch of the Krafton India Gaming Incubator further demonstrates efforts to nurture young Indian developers. BGMI itself has proven immensely lucrative, generating close to $74 million in revenue within just 10 months. This underscores its significance in Krafton's revenue stream, with a substantial portion coming from India.
During recent earnings calls, Krafton's CEO outlined plans for BGMI's steady growth and the expansion of publishing titles. Efforts to enhance BGMI esports and explore new opportunities reflect a commitment to the game's continuous development.
Beyond BGMI and Krafton, a potential ban could ripple across the Indian gaming industry, eroding confidence among foreign companies in India's market. However, it's crucial for all stakeholders to address any legitimate concerns regarding national security.
As developments unfold, the Indian gaming community awaits clarity on BGMI's future in the country.
