For millions of gamers across India, PUBG Mobile was more than just a game – it was a daily routine, a source of joy, and even a career path for streamers and esports players. From metro cities to small towns, you could find youngsters huddled together with their smartphones, strategizing their next “Chicken Dinner.”
But in September 2020, a shocking announcement turned the gaming world upside down. The Indian government banned PUBG Mobile along with over 100 other Chinese apps due to data privacy and security concerns. Since then, Indian gamers have been eagerly waiting for the game to make a comeback.
Recently, fresh reports suggest that PUBG Corporation has entered early talks with Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom operators, to bring PUBG Mobile back to Indian servers. The news has already sparked excitement among fans who are desperate to see their favorite battle royale return.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the full story:
- Why PUBG Mobile was banned in India
- PUBG Corporation’s efforts to relaunch the game
- The role of Airtel in these discussions
- Why Reliance Jio talks slowed down
- What this means for the future of Indian gaming
- The overall impact on esports, streamers, and the community
Let’s explore everything in detail.
Why PUBG Mobile Was Banned in India
On September 2, 2020, the Indian government banned PUBG Mobile along with 117 other apps linked to Chinese publishers, citing concerns over data privacy and national security. At the time, PUBG Mobile was being published in India by Tencent Games, a Chinese gaming giant.
Officials stated that many of these apps were transmitting sensitive user data to servers outside India, potentially threatening the privacy of millions of Indian citizens. Additionally, geopolitical tensions between India and China at the Ladakh border intensified the ban.
For the government, banning Chinese-linked apps was a way to strengthen data sovereignty. For players, however, it was a huge disappointment. At the peak of its popularity, PUBG Mobile had over 33 million active users in India, making it one of the largest markets globally.
PUBG Corporation Steps In
After the ban, PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of South Korean company Bluehole, decided to take matters into its own hands. The company quickly announced that it was ending all publishing rights with Tencent Games for India.
This move was seen as a strong signal that PUBG Corp was serious about returning to India. By distancing itself from Tencent, the company hoped to address government concerns and rebuild trust.
But separating from Tencent wasn’t enough. PUBG now needed a local partner in India to handle publishing, servers, marketing, and community engagement.
The First Talks: PUBG and Reliance Jio
Initially, reports surfaced that PUBG Corporation was in talks with Reliance Jio, one of India’s biggest telecom operators, to bring PUBG Mobile back. Jio, with its massive reach and affordable internet plans, seemed like a perfect partner.
However, according to multiple reports, these talks slowed down after September. While the discussions were promising at first, no major agreement was reached.
One of the key reasons for the delay may have been government restrictions. Even if PUBG partnered with Jio, the Indian government still hadn’t lifted the ban or given any indication that the game could return soon.
The Airtel Connection
Now, according to new reports, PUBG Corporation has started early discussions with Bharti Airtel, another telecom giant in India. Airtel is a strong player in the Indian market with millions of mobile and broadband users across the country.
A source quoted by Entrackr mentioned:
“PUBG is in early discussion with Airtel for reclaiming distribution rights to the telecom giant. This eagerness shows that PUBG has been making serious efforts to re-enter the Indian market.”
This shift in focus from Jio to Airtel suggests that PUBG Corporation is exploring multiple partnerships to ensure its re-entry. Airtel could provide server support, distribution networks, and perhaps even esports sponsorships.
PUBG’s Strategy: Hiring in India
Along with telecom discussions, PUBG Corporation has also been reportedly hiring talent in India. Sources claim that the company has been speaking with candidates with 4–6 years of experience to build a lean but dedicated team in India.
This is a smart move because having a local workforce will help PUBG better understand Indian regulations, player behavior, and cultural preferences.
Government’s Stance
While talks with Airtel and earlier with Jio show PUBG’s determination, the Indian government hasn’t given any official green signal. In fact, officials had previously stated that there were no immediate plans to lift the ban.
The government’s concerns included:
- The game being “too violent” for young players
- Data privacy issues due to earlier Tencent involvement
- Rising complaints from parents about addiction
Unless PUBG Corporation can address these issues, the road back to India won’t be easy.
Why Airtel Could Be the Game-Changer
Partnering with Airtel could be a big win for PUBG Mobile. Here’s why:
- Strong Infrastructure – Airtel already has advanced 4G and broadband infrastructure across India. This could help PUBG Mobile run smoothly with low latency.
- Esports Push – Airtel has shown interest in gaming and esports before. A PUBG partnership could strengthen India’s esports ecosystem.
- Large User Base – With millions of subscribers, Airtel could provide PUBG with a direct channel to promote the game and bring back its fanbase.
- Regulatory Trust – Unlike Tencent, Airtel is an Indian company. This may give PUBG an edge in negotiations with the government.
Global Impact of the Ban
Interestingly, the ban in India didn’t just affect Indian players – it also impacted PUBG Mobile’s global performance.
According to data from Sensor Tower, PUBG Mobile downloads worldwide dropped by 26% in September 2020, immediately after India’s ban. That shows just how important the Indian market was for the game.
PUBG’s Popularity in India
Why is PUBG so important for Indian gamers? Let’s look at a few reasons:
- Accessibility – Unlike PC games, PUBG Mobile was free and could run on budget smartphones.
- Community – It created a massive community of players, from school kids to professional esports athletes.
- Streaming Growth – Platforms like YouTube and Twitch saw a huge rise in Indian streamers because of PUBG. Many content creators built full-time careers.
- Esports Tournaments – India hosted several PUBG Mobile tournaments with prize pools worth lakhs of rupees, inspiring the next generation of esports athletes.
When the game was banned, it wasn’t just about entertainment – an entire ecosystem suffered, from streamers to event organizers.
What Lies Ahead?
If the partnership with Airtel works out and the government approves, we could soon see PUBG Mobile making a grand comeback in India. However, there are still several challenges ahead:
- Convincing the government about data privacy compliance
- Adjusting in-game content to reduce violent imagery
- Rebuilding trust with parents and educators concerned about addiction
But one thing is clear – PUBG Corporation is determined not to lose its biggest market outside China.
Conclusion
The story of PUBG Mobile in India is more than just about a game – it’s about technology, business strategy, and cultural impact.
From its ban due to security concerns to fresh talks with Airtel, PUBG’s journey reflects the fast-changing landscape of gaming in India. Whether or not it makes a comeback, the hype around its possible return shows how deeply it influenced an entire generation of gamers.
As of now, all eyes are on the outcome of PUBG’s talks with Airtel. If successful, it could mark the beginning of a new era for Indian esports. Until then, fans will continue to wait, hope, and shout their favorite victory cry – “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!”