Krafton, the company responsible for the popular battle royale game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has recently made a significant announcement. After being banned by the Indian government in July 2022, BGMI is now set to make a comeback in the country. Expressing their gratitude to the government of India for lifting the ban, Krafton has officially stated that the game will soon be available for download. However, there is a notable condition attached to its return.
Initially, BGMI will be accessible for a three-month period, during which it will be closely monitored by government officials. Additionally, the game will undergo certain adjustments, including the incorporation of a time limit and changes to the color of blood in the gameplay.
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 stated, “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.”
Reports indicate that the government has lifted the ban on the game for a temporary duration of three months, during which government officials will monitor and analyze its operations. Should the game violate any of the country's regulations during this period, it risks being banned again. However, if it successfully passes the monitoring phase without any issues, there is a high possibility of it obtaining a permanent unbanned status.
According to several reports, certain adjustments need to be made to the game before it becomes downloadable. These modifications involve the introduction of a time limit that restricts the daily gameplay hours for users. Furthermore, the color of blood, previously depicted as red when a player was shot or killed, may require alteration as well.
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.”
Kukreti added, “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.”
Although the company has indicated that the game will be available for play in the near future, no specific timeline has been announced for its availability on the App Store and Play Store for download.
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