PUBG Mobile is a hugely popular game that can be played for free on Android and iOS devices worldwide, and even has a spin-off version, PUBG Mobile Lite.
Recently, the game has been banned in one of its largest markets, India, and there’s no indication on when it might become available again in the country.
However, while the latest PUBG Mobile update remains off-limit to some, there has been some good news released this week on the subject.
Having seen PUBG Mobile banned in India due to its development through Chinese company Tencent, the PUBG Corporation has now confirmed that it will be taking back publishing responsibilities in India.
This could help to get the game reinstated in the region, with the company confirming in a new statement:
“PUBG Corporation is actively monitoring the situation around the recent bans of PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik and PUBG MOBILE Lite in India.
“It has seen an overwhelming amount of support for the game from the country’s player base and would like to thank the community for their passion and enthusiasm.
“PUBG Corporation fully understands and respects the measures taken by the government as the privacy and security of player data is a top priority for the company.
“It hopes to work hand-in-hand with the Indian government to find a solution that will allow gamers to once again drop into the battlegrounds while being fully compliant with Indian laws and regulations.
“In light of recent developments, PUBG Corporation has made the decision to no longer authorize the PUBG MOBILE franchise to Tencent Games in India.
“Moving forward, PUBG Corporation will take on all publishing responsibilities within the country. As the company explores ways to provide its own PUBG experience for India in the near future, it is committed to doing so by sustaining a localized and healthy gameplay environment for its fans.
“PUBG MOBILE is the mobile version of PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG), an intellectual property owned and developed by PUBG Corporation, a South Korean gaming company.
“The company is actively engaged in developing and publishing PUBG on multiple platforms, including PUBG MOBILE in select territories, to provide the best player experiences possible.”
“PUBG Corporation is committed to providing its unique battle royale experience to a global audience and hopes to continue engaging with its passionate player base in India. In addition to regular content updates, the company is exploring different ways to engage its community in India through various region-based activities, including esports and community events.”
India was reportedly one of PUBG’s biggest markets, with more than 175 million downloads recorded. And for those waiting to get access to the new PUBG Mobile 1.0 update, this could be an early sign of the game making its return.
The new patch is out now and brings with it some interesting new content to the game, including a revamped map experience.
Erangel 2.0 is the latest map to get a refreshed, with the most iconic resource-points being optimised, and all new elements of trenches, wooden barricades, abandoned tanks and bunkers added to improve the overall combat experience.
More news regarding this week’s PUBG Mobile update can be found below:
In addition to the New Erangel map, the beloved small-scale high intensity of PUBG MOBILE’s newest battlefield Livik also receives an update. The M1014 is an all-new semi-automatic shotgun that only appears in Livik on the Classic Battle Royale Map and Arena, along with other shotguns. With up to 7 rounds that can be manually reloaded at a time, it’s outstanding for close quarters combat. The M1014 supports shotgun muzzle and ammo belt attachments, and is the most effective of the current shotguns. Livik today also receives miscellaneous visual effects improvements, balance adjustments and bug fixes.
Cheer Park
For improved training, each player now has access to their own private training ground to improve their target-shooting, throwing and more. Players can now join up with others in Cheer Park to enjoy combat or watch duels in the newly completed building to the left of the target range.
Updated Game Lobby
In order to improve player control and prioritize displaying features that players need most, the game lobby has been updated. A new Home Lobby features the most common functions, such as squad-forming and monetization. Invites and Friends have been combined, with new notes for friends. The Social Lobby is an upgrade from Personal Space, showing the players social connections and showing off stats, titles, achievements, firearms and vehicles.