PUBG Mobile banned in India ahead of new Erangel 2.0 update

PUBG Mobile has been banned in India ahead of the release of one of the game’s biggest map updates.

The news was shared by India’s IT Ministry on September 2, revealing that PUBG Mobile would be among the latest banned apps linked to Chinese firms.

This includes a list of around 118 apps which are no longer available to download in the region.

The official apps list shared by the Indian government includes both PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite.

Combined, these two PUBG apps could well be the most popular mobile games on the list, with India being judged to be one of the game’s biggest markets.

A statement regarding the ban in India reads: “The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India invoking it’s power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 and in view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 118 mobile apps since in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

“The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has received many complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner to servers which have locations outside India. The compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India, which ultimately impinges upon the sovereignty and integrity of India, is a matter of very deep and immediate concern which requires emergency measures.

“The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs has also sent an exhaustive recommendation for blocking these malicious apps.. Likewise, there have been similar bipartisan concerns, flagged by various public representatives, both outside and inside the Parliament of India. There has been a strong chorus in the public space to take strict action against Apps that harm India’s sovereignty as well as the privacy of our citizens.

“On the basis of these and upon receiving of recent credible inputs that information posted, permissions sought, functionality embedded as well as data harvesting practices of above stated Apps raise serious concerns that these Apps collect and share data in surreptitious manner and compromise personal data and information of users that can have a severe threat to security of the State.

“In the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India and security of the State. And using the sovereign powers, the Government of India has decided to block the usage of certain Apps, used in both mobile and non-mobile Internet enabled devices.”

The news of the PUBG Mobile ban comes just weeks before one of the game’s biggest updates is released.

Next week will see the release of PUBG Mobile 1.0, which will include the long-awaited New Erangel 2.0 map.

Beginning from September 8, players will be able to skydive into revamped locations, boasting visual upgrades and being paired with wider game changes and features.

Things to look out for next week:

All-new Map Elements –Fresh elements such as forgotten trenches, tree-trunk barriers, abandoned tanks and bunkers provide new ways for players to devise strategies and tactics when duking it out for Chicken Dinners.

Large Resource Point Changes –Popular in-game destinations such as Sosnovka Military Base, Mylta Power, Mansion, Prison, Mine Zone and more are receiving rebalanced loot, gear and other resources. Players can expect richer scavenges in rural areas for a more balanced experience and different strategies, even though they are so familiar with the old places.

Building Changes – Multiple buildings and shelters around New Erangel has been altered and improved. New strategies will be needed based on the building changes, that players need to change the defense and attack methods accordingly.

Revamped Visuals – Lighting systems has been upgraded giving more life to the vegetation, sky, and water effect. As a result, players can see reflections on the water and indirect light from the sun.

The models and texture quality are also improved, to give battles a more realistic feel, such as buildings and environment textures, particles, smoke, air blasts, muzzle flashes, and the scope interaction. The “Ultra HD” function can be unlocked for the highest graphic quality.

The graphic improvement is offering an unprecedented high-quality experience in mobile device while keeping a smooth combat experience and classic gameplay.