On July 28, 2022, the Indian government MeitY banned and took down the popular mobile game BGMI from the Play store and app store.
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BGMI stands for “Battlegrounds Mobile India”, which is an online multiplayer battle royale game developed by South Korean video game company Krafton, Inc. and is a variant of the popular game “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds” (PUBG). BGMI was specifically designed for Indian players and was launched in July 2021 after a long hiatus due to a government-imposed ban on PUBG Mobile in India in 2020.
BGMI offers players a variety of game modes such as Classic, Arcade, and EvoGround modes. The Classic mode is a 100-player battle royale game where players compete against each other to be the last one standing on a shrinking map. The Arcade mode offers several mini-games within the game, such as Quick Match, Sniper Training, and War, while EvoGround mode introduces new gameplay features such as Deathmatch and Payload.
BGMI has also incorporated several changes to the game in order to comply with Indian regulations and cater to Indian sensibilities. For example, the game now includes a feature that limits playtime for players below the age of 18, and the game’s blood effects have been replaced with green hit markers.
Overall, BGMI has gained a significant following in India and has become one of the most popular mobile games in the country since its launch.
On July 28, 2022, the Indian government MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) banned and take down the popular mobile game BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) from the Play store and app store. Just before the ban, BGMI reaches the milestone of 100 Million Downloads in one year. In this article, we will examine the reasons behind the ban and its potential impact.
One of the main reasons for the ban was security concerns. In September 2020, the Indian government banned PUBG along with other Chinese apps citing national security concerns. Battlegrounds Mobile India was launched in July 2021 as a replacement for PUBG, but many of the concerns regarding data privacy and security remained.
The Indian government has been increasingly concerned about data privacy and security issues, especially when it comes to apps developed by foreign companies. In recent years, there have been multiple instances of data breaches and cyber-attacks, which have raised concerns about the safety of personal data.
Another reason for the ban was the addictive nature of the game, which has been linked to a range of negative consequences for young people. The game is highly competitive and can be time-consuming, which can lead to a range of issues such as reduced academic performance, social isolation, and even physical health problems.
In India, there is also a growing concern about the impact of video games on young people’s mental health. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), one in five young people in India is addicted to online gaming. This has led to calls for stricter regulation of the industry.
Another factor that contributed to the ban was the fact that Krafton, the company that developed the game, has ties to China. China and India have had a tense relationship in recent years, and there have been concerns that Chinese companies could be using their apps to gather data on Indian citizens.
In addition, there has been a growing push in India to promote local businesses and reduce dependence on foreign companies. The ban on Battlegrounds Mobile India was seen as a way to support local game developers and promote the development of the Indian gaming industry.
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There were also legal issues surrounding the game that contributed to the ban. In July 2021, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to Krafton and the Indian government, asking them to respond to a plea that alleged that the game was promoting violence and cyberbullying.
The court was concerned that the game was promoting violence and aggressive behaviour among young people, which could have a negative impact on society. The court also expressed concern about the potential for cyberbullying and harassment.
The Indian government has also been promoting the development of alternative gaming options that are more in line with Indian values and culture. In July 2021, the government launched a national esports federation to promote the development of the gaming industry in India.
The government has also been promoting the development of games that reflect Indian culture and values. For example, a game called ‘Raji: An Ancient Epic’ was developed by an Indian game development studio and was based on Indian mythology and culture.
In conclusion, the ban on Battlegrounds Mobile India was driven by a range of factors, including security concerns, addiction and youth impact, Chinese ties, legal issues, and the promotion of local game development. While the ban has been controversial, it reflects the Indian government’s increasing focus on data privacy and security and the promotion of local businesses. It remains to be seen whether the ban will be lifted or whether it will lead to the development of alternative gaming options that are more in line with Indian values and culture.
One of the main arguments for the ban is the protection of young people in India. Many parents and educators are concerned that the game is addictive, and that young people are spending too much time playing it. They argue that this is having a negative impact on their studies, their social lives, and their mental health. By banning the game, they believe that young people will be encouraged to spend more time studying and engaging in healthy social activities, which will be better for their overall well-being.
Another argument for the ban is national security. The Indian government has expressed concerns that the game is being used by Chinese hackers to steal sensitive information from Indian users. They also believe that the game could be used as a tool to spread propaganda and disinformation in India and influence public opinion. By banning the game, they believe that they can protect the country’s national security interests.
Finally, there is an argument that the ban is necessary to ensure compliance with Indian laws. While Battlegrounds Mobile India was developed to comply with Indian laws and regulations, some legal experts have argued that it is still in violation of Indian laws. By banning the game, the government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate any violations of Indian laws and that it is committed to protecting the interests of Indian citizens.
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