The PUBG ban has been a hot topic of discussion in the gaming community, with many users wondering if they can still install the game on their devices. The short answer is, it’s complicated. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the ban, the reasons behind it, and most importantly, explore the possibilities of installing PUBG despite the ban.
Why Was PUBG Banned?
Before we dive into the installation conundrum, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind the ban. The Indian government, in September 2020, banned PUBG Mobile, along with 117 other Chinese apps, citing concerns over national security, data privacy, and the manipulation of young minds. The government alleged that these apps were engaged in activities that threatened the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, and public order.
The ban was imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which grants the government the power to block access to any information or content in the interest of national security. The move was seen as a retaliatory measure against China, following the Galwan Valley border clashes between the two nations.
What Does the Ban Mean for PUBG Users?
The ban has had a significant impact on PUBG users in India. The game is no longer available for download on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Existing users who had the game installed on their devices can no longer receive updates, and the game’s servers have been shut down.
However, this has not deterred PUBG enthusiasts, who are exploring alternative ways to install the game. But before we discuss that, it’s essential to understand the legal implications of installing PUBG despite the ban.
Legal Implications of Installing PUBG
Installing PUBG after the ban can have legal consequences. The Indian government has made it clear that anyone found violating the ban will be liable for prosecution under the Information Technology Act. This can result in fines and even imprisonment.
Moreover, installing PUBG from unauthorized sources can also put your device and personal data at risk. Malware and viruses can be hidden in these unauthorized versions, which can compromise your device’s security and steal your personal information.
Can We Install PUBG After the Ban?
Despite the legal implications, many users are still looking for ways to install PUBG on their devices. Here are a few methods that have been explored:
APK Files
One way to install PUBG is by downloading the APK file from a third-party website. However, this method is not recommended, as it can put your device at risk of malware and viruses. Moreover, the APK file may not be the official version, and can result in data loss or corruption.
VPN
Another method is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask your IP address and appear as if you’re accessing the game from a different country. This can allow you to download the game from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. However, this method is also not recommended, as it can result in your account being banned or flagged for suspicious activity.
Emulators
Some users have tried installing PUBG on their PC using emulators like Bluestacks or NoxPlayer. While this method can work, it’s not officially supported by PUBG, and can result in performance issues or compatibility problems.
Is There a Safe and Legal Way to Install PUBG?
The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Tencent Games, the developers of PUBG, have announced that they are working on a new game, PUBG: New State, which will be available in India soon. This game will be designed specifically for the Indian market and will comply with the country’s laws and regulations.
Additionally, there are reports that PUBG is exploring a partnership with an Indian company to relaunch the game in the country. This partnership would ensure that the game complies with Indian laws and regulations, and would provide a safe and legal way for users to install and play PUBG.
What Can We Expect from PUBG: New State?
PUBG: New State is expected to be a more streamlined and optimized version of the original game. It will feature improved graphics, new game modes, and a more intuitive user interface. The game will also comply with Indian laws and regulations, ensuring that user data is safe and secure.
Will PUBG: New State Be a Success?
Only time will tell if PUBG: New State will be a success in India. However, given the massive popularity of PUBG in the country, it’s likely that the new game will be well-received by users. The game’s success will also depend on its ability to compete with other popular battle royale games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Mobile.
Conclusion
The PUBG ban has been a significant setback for gamers in India, but it’s not the end of the road. While there are ways to install PUBG despite the ban, it’s essential to prioritize safety and legality. The upcoming launch of PUBG: New State provides a glimmer of hope for PUBG enthusiasts, and it will be interesting to see how the game fares in the Indian market.
Remember, safety and legality should always be your top priority when it comes to installing and playing games on your device.
Is PUBG completely banned in India?
PUBG Mobile has been banned in India since September 2020 due to concerns over data privacy and national security. The Indian government claimed that the app was engaging in activities that were prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, and public order. However, it’s essential to note that the ban only applies to the mobile version of the game, and the PC version can still be played.
The ban was imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which gives the government the power to block public access to any content it deems necessary. The ban has been in place for over two years, and there hasn’t been any official announcement regarding lifting the ban. Despite the ban, many Indian players continue to play the game using VPNs and other workarounds.
Can I still download PUBG Mobile from the app stores?
No, PUBG Mobile is no longer available for download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store in India. After the ban, the game was removed from both app stores to comply with the government’s orders. Any attempts to download the game from the app stores will result in an error message stating that the app is not available in your region.
However, there are some workarounds that players have been using to download the game. Some third-party app stores and websites still offer the game for download, but it’s essential to be cautious when downloading from such sources, as they may be unauthorized and potentially harmful to your device.
Can I play PUBG Mobile using a VPN?
Yes, many Indian players have been using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to play PUBG Mobile despite the ban. A VPN creates a virtual IP address that masks your actual location, allowing you to access content that may be blocked in your region. By using a VPN, you can create a virtual IP address from a country where the game is not banned, allowing you to download and play the game.
However, it’s essential to note that using a VPN to play PUBG Mobile may violate the terms of service of the game, and your account may be banned if you’re caught. Additionally, using a VPN can also slow down your internet speed, which may affect your gaming experience.
Is there an alternative to PUBG Mobile in India?
Yes, there are several alternatives to PUBG Mobile that are available in India. One of the most popular alternatives is Battlegrounds Mobile India, which is a Indian version of PUBG Mobile developed by Krafton, the same company that developed PUBG Mobile. The game offers a similar gaming experience to PUBG Mobile and is available for download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Another popular alternative is Garena Free Fire, which is a battle royale game that offers a similar gaming experience to PUBG Mobile. The game is also available for download from the app stores and has gained immense popularity in India since the PUBG Mobile ban.
Will I lose my progress if I switch to Battlegrounds Mobile India?
If you switch to Battlegrounds Mobile India from PUBG Mobile, you will not be able to transfer your progress, including your account, characters, and items. This is because Battlegrounds Mobile India is a separate game from PUBG Mobile, and the two games have different servers and ecosystems.
However, Krafton has announced that it will provide some incentives to players who switch to Battlegrounds Mobile India, such as rewards and bonuses. The company is also working on a system to allow players to transfer some of their data from PUBG Mobile to Battlegrounds Mobile India, but this feature is still in development.
Can I play PUBG PC in India?
Yes, the PC version of PUBG is not banned in India, and you can still play the game on your PC. The ban only applies to the mobile version of the game, and the PC version is not affected. You can download the game from the official website or from online stores like Steam.
However, it’s essential to note that the PC version of the game requires a significant amount of system resources, and you’ll need a powerful computer to play the game smoothly. Additionally, the PC version of the game is not free, and you’ll need to purchase the game to play it.
Will the PUBG Mobile ban be lifted in India?
There has been no official announcement from the Indian government regarding lifting the ban on PUBG Mobile. The ban has been in place for over two years, and it’s unclear whether the government will reconsider its decision.
However, there have been some reports suggesting that the government may be open to lifting the ban if the game developers can address the concerns around data privacy and national security. The developers of PUBG Mobile have been working with the government to address these concerns, but so far, there has been no breakthrough.