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The ban on “PUBG Mobile” and other Chinese-owned mobile apps happened at one of the worst possible times for Indian gamers. The decision was finalized by their government shortly before the much-awaited version 1.0 of the mobile battle royale game launches.
‘PUBG Mobile’ version 1.0 release date
In the digital age, it is no longer surprising to see the geopolitics climate influence the tech industry. Such was the case as the growing tension between China and India over border disputes. The latter recently issued a ban on several mobile apps, including “PUBG Mobile.”
While the official Sept. 2 announcement of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology did not specifically mention its ongoing spat with China, the listed apps are noticeably developed by China-based tech companies. The list has since expanded to 118 apps the include both “PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik” and “PUBG MOBILE LITE.”
The ban alone is a tough pill to take for India-based gamers reportedly making up around 33 million of the app’s monthly active users. But it is tougher for gamers since it happened shortly before the release of “PUBG Mobile” version 1.0 set on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
How the ‘PUBG Mobile’ affects India-based gamers
Whenever an app is banned in a certain territory, the common effect is that new installs will no longer be possible. As for users who already have the app in their devices, they could continue using it as long as the local servers are still active. However, all updates deploying after the ban is imposed will no longer be available to affected users. Simply put, India-based gamers cannot participate in the arrival of “PUBG Mobile” version 1.0.
Gamers who miss running around their favorite maps like Erangel, Sanhok, and Miramar can still visit these places by playing the PC and console versions of the battle royale title. These are developed and maintained by South Korean tech company Bluehole while “PUBG Mobile” is a licensed IP developed by China’s Tencent Games.
‘PUBG Mobile’ version 1.0 new content, updates
New Erangel arrives on September 8th - share your screenshots and clips from the current Erangel & your favorite memories to enter our Dawn of a New Era competition!
— PUBG MOBILE (@PUBGMOBILE) August 31, 2020
Full rules and how to join the competition here ???? https://t.co/xO4ttbvFlj pic.twitter.com/jHjPORbP5w
What makes this news even more difficult to take is that it happened after Tencent unveiled the major updates that will arrive with “PUBG Mobile” version 1.0. Gamers can expect massive graphics improvements making the maps, visual effects, and buildings appear more realistic.
The highlight of “PUBG Mobile” version 1.0 will be the official release of Erangel 2.0. Like every fan, gamers in India have been waiting for the massive map update for more than a year now. Unfortunately, they will not be able to enjoy its launch with the rest of the world.
