Tensions between India and China have been on the rise since both countries clashed over disputed territory earlier this year. Now mobile gamers in India might be affected too.
On June 29 the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat and others. One month later another 45 apps were banned. India has also prepared a list of 275 further apps that are to be checked for violations of “national security and user privacy”.
Mobile games also under observation
According to reporting by the Economic Times the list also includes several mobile games with PUBG Mobile being the most prominent one. As Chinese tech giant Tencent developed PUBG’s mobile version it is easy to see why the game came under scrutiny. Other mobile games also being investigated are Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. Although they are developed by Finnish company Supercell, Tencent have bought out the company in 2019.
Being on the list itself does not automatically mean a ban, as the government of India will still decide on a case by case basis whether or not to take action. But should a ban follow through, it might start a wave of bans as Tencent is one of the biggest developers worldwide.
Tencent also developed Call of Duty: Mobile and is the parent company of Riot Games. Which could also mean repercussions for Legends of Runeterra or the not yet released League of Legends: Wild Rift.
India is among the countries with the largest player base in PUBG Mobile and mobile gaming in general. A ban of games amidst geopolitical tensions could have severe repercussions on the young scene on the subcontinent.
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