Battlegrounds Mobile India makes comeback in country after 10-month ban

South Korean gaming giant KRAFTON, the creator of the popular game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has said the game will be back in India on Android and iOS platforms after a gap of around 10 months. The game was banned in India in July 2022 over security-related concerns.

Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON, Inc. India, said the company is highly grateful to the Indian authorities for allowing it to resume operations of BGMI. "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.”

The government in August last year directed app stores companies like Google and Apple to remove BGMI from their respective app stores under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000. Since then, the South Korea company was working with Indian officials to find a way to relaunch the game in the country. The said act enables the government to block access to the public of any information produced or transmitted on any computer.

KRAFTON's independent game development studios comprise Bluehole Studio, Striking Distance Studios, RisingWings, Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds and 5minlab. Its gaming properties include Road To Valor: Empires, NEW STATE MOBILE, The Callisto Protocol, Moonbreaker, TERA, and ELYON.

The KRAFTON CEO said the gaming company's approach has always been India-first. "We believe in investing in the Indian gaming industry and contributing to building a vibrant ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation."

The company said it aims to augment technology developments in India by collaborating with local developers and promoting the use of cutting-edge technologies. BGMI had surpassed 100 million cumulative users in less than two of years its launch in the country, said the company.

Vibhor Kukreti, head government affairs, KRAFTON, Inc. India said the company 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."

KRAFTON has so far invested over $100 million in several Indian startups in interactive entertainment, gaming, esports and technology such as Nodwin Gaming, Loco, FRND, Pratilipi, One Impression, among others.

The gaming market size is valued at $250.45 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% by 2030, the research shared by data analytics and consulting company Global Data shows. The gaming market has been categorized by type into video games and cloud games. The cloud games segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of over 30% during the forecast period.