The Indian Government’s ban on PUBG Mobile brought the country's eSports ecosystem to a complete standstill. Regional teams missed their chances to compete on PMPL-SA and streamers had to switch to other titles like Garena Free Fire and Call of Duty: Mobile. However, PUBG Corporation has recently confirmed that they are making a comeback to India with a different publisher. The company parted ways with Tencent Games after deciding to adhere to the interim order by the Indian Government.
According to a report by Business Wire, KRAFTON, Inc. (the mother company of PUBG Corp) announced that it is working with Microsoft Azure to host PUBG MOBILE, among other products. Azure is Microsoft’s public cloud computing service that helps game creators to distribute their products on a global scale. The collaboration may solve the privacy rights and stay in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Speculations had been made about who could PUBG Corp. tap as the new publisher for PUBG Mobile in India. Jio came on first after reportedly talking with Bluehole. Then other tech giants like Microsoft and Airtel joined the fray, looking to take up the rights of publishing the premier BR title. Microsoft is perhaps the frontrunner for bringing PUBG Mobile back to India.
PUBG Mobile Ban And Revival
At the beginning of September, the Indian Government issued an announcement regarding the ban on PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite. The Government decided to ban these apps for threatening the sovereignty and integrity of India, the Defence of India, Security of State, and Public Order.
According to a Business Line Report, PUBG Corporation, the South Korean company that owns PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), was in talks with Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio to resume its operations in India.
In October, PUBG Corp posted a job vacancy for "Corporate Development Division Manager - India", which suggested that the relaunch of the game in India was likely underway. Nearly two months after the game’s ban, Tencent Games has terminated all service and access for users in India to PUBG MOBILE and PUBG MOBILE Lite. If sources are correct, Microsoft’s entry into the Indian mobile gaming scene will certainly solve the whole situation.
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