The future of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) in India is uncertain as a report suggests that the cybersecurity division of the Indian government has recommended discontinuing the game due to concerns over data privacy and potential cybersecurity risks. The authorities have raised alarm over crimes related to BGMI and have expressed apprehensions about the potential compromise of national security resulting from data collected by the game. Notably, BGMI servers are situated in the U.S., but law enforcement agencies are keen to ensure that the data is not transferred elsewhere. A crucial meeting is set to take place where Krafton, the developer, will present its case alongside central agencies to determine the fate of the game in India, following its unbanning in May 2023 on a temporary 3-month approval.
The potential discontinuation of BGMI has significant ramifications for the Indian gaming ecosystem, as the game’s ban in 2022 already had a substantial impact on the esports industry and the broader gaming market. With India’s burgeoning video game industry, the discontinuation could also affect the confidence of foreign companies in investing in the Indian gaming market. Furthermore, Krafton’s significant investments and revenue from BGMI in the Asian region, including India, demonstrate the game’s popularity, making it a focal point for the future growth of BGMI esports and Krafton’s expansion of publishing titles.
