Let the speculation end: The PUBG ban is real. The IT Ministry has banned 118 China-made apps, the biggest of them being Tencent’s popular battle royale game, PUBG Mobile.
The list of 118 apps also includes other Android and iOS games developed by China-based developers. These include Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade, AFK Arena and several games from NetEase, including Marvel Super War and Crusaders of Light.
PUBG Mobile isn’t the only major Tencent game to be banned. Its mobile MOA Arena of Valor has also joins the list. However, it’s interesting to note that Call of Duty Mobile, which is also developed by Tencent, has escaped the ban.
The list also includes several other lesser known games, as well as many carrom, Ludo and Chess titles.
We should add that the PUBG Mobile ban does not affect the PC and console versions of the game. These versions are developed by Bluehole, which is a South Korean company.
The official reason for the bans is that these apps “are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order [sic]”.
The latest wave of bans comes after the government banned 59 Chinese apps in June, the biggest of them being TikTok. That ban remains in effect, so it will be interesting to see how long the ban on PUBG Mobile stays.
This story is developing and we will continue to update it as more details become available.
