The potential discontinuation of BGMI has raised concerns within the Indian gaming community, particularly within the esports industry
There’s growing speculation surrounding the fate of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) within the country. According to a report , a senior official from the Union government’s cybersecurity division has indicated that the agency has recommended discontinuing BGMI due to concerns related to crimes associated with the game. The report suggests that the illegal entry of a foreign national into India, although linked to PUBG Mobile and not BGMI, has prompted authorities to scrutinize the situation.
One of the primary concerns raised in the report revolves around the potential risks posed by the data collected from BGMI, which could potentially lead to cyber-attacks and compromise national security. It’s noted that BGMI servers are located in the U.S., but law enforcement agencies are keen on ensuring that the data is not transferred to other services situated elsewhere.
A crucial meeting is scheduled for next week, where Krafton, the company behind BGMI, will present its case alongside central agencies to decide on the game’s future in India.
BGMI was unbanned in May 2023 after receiving a three-month trial approval from the Indian government. This temporary approval was granted following Krafton’s efforts to address concerns raised by Indian authorities. However, it’s worth mentioning that in June 2021, concerns were raised when it was discovered that Battlegrounds Mobile India was sharing data with Chinese servers.
In light of these developments, IGN India has reached out to Krafton India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for comments.
The potential discontinuation of BGMI has raised concerns within the Indian gaming community, particularly within the esports industry, as the game boasts a massive following and has played a significant role in the growth of the market. India’s video game market has been one of the fastest-growing in Asia, with projections indicating substantial revenue growth by 2026.
BGMI has been a significant revenue generator for Krafton, with a substantial portion of its annual revenue coming from the Asian region, including India. The potential impact of discontinuing the game extends beyond Krafton, potentially affecting the confidence of foreign companies in India’s market for future investments.
While the economic implications are significant, it’s crucial for all relevant stakeholders to address any potential threats to national security. The upcoming meeting is expected to shed light on the future of BGMI in India.
