PUBG Corp announced on Thursday said that it plans to make investments worth $100 million in India to develop the local video game, esports, entertainment, and IT industries with the help of its South Korean parent company Krafton, Inc.
The viral gaming app PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) was among the 118 Chinese apps that were banned by the Indian government in September over national security concerns amid the border tensions with China.
To do some damage control, PUBG Corp had revoked China-based Tencent Games' authorisation of PUBG Mobile franchise's operations in India.
On Thursday, PUBG confirmed the news of launching PUBG Mobile India, a new game specifically for the Indian market.
"The Indian subsidiary will hire over 100 employees specialising in business, esports, and game development," PUBG Corp said.
Besides having a local office, the company will collaborate and leverage local businesses to strengthen its gaming service, it added.
The company also mentioned plans to provide a secure and healthy environment with respect to gaming. To deal with privacy and data security related concerns, PUBG said it will conduct regular audits and verifications on the storage systems holding Indian users' personally identifiable information to ensure security and safe data management.
Previously, there had also been concerns about the game being too addictive and hence adversely affecting the lives of teenagers who go on playing it for say 8 hours straight. So, to build a healthy gameplay environment, the game content will be tailored to suit local needs, it added.
There will be a feature to put up restrictions on game time to promote healthy gameplay habits for younger players.
Several aspects will be customized for Indian gamers, such as the game now being set in a virtual simulation training ground, new characters automatically starting clothed, and green hit effects to reflect the virtual nature of the game.
The company, however, is yet to disclose the launch date of PUBG Mobile India.
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PUBG vs FAUG
Now, with PUBG announcing its comeback to its massive Indian userbase. All eyes may be on how the competition between PUBG and FAUG which is also going to be launched soon, will unfold. Actor Akshay Kumar who has got a lot of success with his recent films promoting nationalistic subjects has promoted the game as India's answer and alternative to the globally viral gaming app.
So will the PUBG gamers be loyal to the app that has been their favourite in all these years? Or will they support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to go "Vocal For Local" and support the new Indian app? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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