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Tencent to Shut Down PUBG Mobile in India on April 30, 2026, Citing Regulatory Challenges

Tencent Games has announced that it will discontinue PUBG Mobile in India, effective April 30, 2026. The decision follows years of regulatory challenges since the original game was banned by the Indian government in 2020 on grounds related to data privacy and security. After the ban, Tencent launched a localized version called Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) to comply with Indian regulations, which garnered a large player base. However, ongoing issues with regulatory compliance and stricter government scrutiny have led Tencent to cease operations of the original PUBG Mobile version in the Indian market. This move impacts millions of gamers who have engaged with PUBG Mobile and highlights the challenges foreign gaming companies face within India’s evolving regulatory landscape. The company has not announced similar plans for other global markets where PUBG Mobile remains operational.

Aegis Insights Mar 27, 2026 1 min read

Krafton India Introduces Chennai Super Kings Team in BGMI with 4.3 Update

Krafton India has officially incorporated the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) into the popular mobile game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) through its 4.3 update. This integration allows players to engage with the game by playing as members of the IPL franchise, CSK, introducing a new team-based gameplay element. The update also brings themed content and various gameplay improvements that align with the CSK brand identity, aiming to enrich the player experience. This collaboration highlights Krafton India's ongoing efforts to merge popular cultural elements with the gaming platform, enhancing engagement with its Indian audience. The launch of this new feature reflects growing partnerships between major esports entities and sports franchises within the region.

Aegis Insights Mar 17, 2026 1 min read

Krafton India Partners with Kolkata Knight Riders to Launch Knight-Themed Gameplay in BGMI

Krafton India has teamed up with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a prominent Indian Premier League cricket franchise, to introduce a Knight-themed gameplay experience within their flagship game, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). This collaboration is designed to immerse players in a unique digital environment that reflects the branding and spirit of the Kolkata Knight Riders team. The partnership aims to deepen engagement among BGMI players who are also fans of the IPL and cricket in general by offering exclusive in-game content inspired by the KKR franchise. By integrating esports elements with popular sports fandom, Krafton India and KKR hope to create a cross-platform interaction that enhances user experience and expands the audience reach within India. This initiative comes amid growing convergence between esports and traditional sports leagues, leveraging the popularity of both to engage a broader spectrum of digital entertainment consumers.

Aegis Insights Mar 16, 2026 1 min read

Krafton India and Royal Enfield Collaborate to Introduce Rideable Motorcycles in BGMI by 2026

Krafton India has announced a partnership with Royal Enfield to bring rideable motorcycle models into the popular mobile game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) by the year 2026. The collaboration will feature two iconic Royal Enfield motorcycles—the Bullet 350 and the Continental GT 650—as rideable vehicles within the game. This initiative represents an innovative blending of gaming and real-world automotive brands, aiming to enhance player experience by integrating familiar and beloved motorcycle models into BGMI's virtual environment. The partnership is expected to expand the game's immersive qualities and appeal to motorcycle enthusiasts within the gaming community. The integration of these motorcycles into BGMI will provide players with a new mode of in-game transportation, reflecting Royal Enfield's strong presence and legacy in India. Krafton India continues to leverage partnerships to enrich BGMI’s content and maintain its engagement with the Indian gaming market. The announcement was made in early 2026, signaling Royal Enfield's entry into virtual gaming domains and highlighting growing trends where gaming companies collaborate with lifestyle and automotive brands to diversify gameplay content and attract wider audiences.

Aegis Insights Jan 13, 2026 1 min read

Krafton India Announces INR 4 Crore Prize Pool for BGIS 2026 Grand Finals in Chennai

Krafton India has officially announced a prize pool totaling INR 4 crore for the upcoming Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2026 Grand Finals. The event is slated to be held in the city of Chennai, marking a significant moment for the Indian esports scene. This development reflects ongoing investment in mobile esports tournaments in India, underscoring the growing popularity and competitive landscape of gaming in the country. The large prize pool signals Krafton India’s commitment to fostering esports talent and expanding the gaming ecosystem. As the BGIS continues to evolve, the Chennai Grand Finals are expected to attract considerable attention from players and fans alike, consolidating India’s position in the global esports arena.

Aegis Insights Jun 02, 2024 1 min read

India Secures Up to Five International Slots for PMWC and PMGC 2026 Esports Tournaments

India is poised to gain significant representation in the PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG Mobile) international esports scene, securing up to five slots for the 2026 PM World Championship (PMWC) and PM Global Challenge (PMGC). This development was announced by Project 100, the incubator company affiliated with Krafton, the developer of PUBG Mobile. The allocation of these slots reflects a growing acknowledgement of India's emerging esports market and competitive talent pool. PMWC and PMGC are among the most prestigious events in the PUBG Mobile esports calendar, drawing top teams from around the world. By obtaining multiple international slots, Indian esports contenders will have enhanced opportunities to compete at the highest global level, potentially boosting the country's presence and influence within the international gaming community. This move also underscores the increasing investment and strategic focus on esports ecosystems by leading industry stakeholders.

Aegis Insights Apr 24, 2024 1 min read

Krafton India Partners with Kolkata Knight Riders for BGMI Knight-Themed Gameplay Experience

Krafton India has announced a partnership with the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team to introduce a Knight-themed gameplay experience within Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). This collaboration aims to engage fans by integrating unique content and events inspired by the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise directly into the popular game. The initiative blends the worlds of esports and cricket, leveraging the fanbases of both industries to enhance player involvement and excitement. By offering exclusive in-game features aligned with the team's branding, Krafton India and Kolkata Knight Riders are expanding opportunities for engagement within the rapidly growing Indian gaming market. This partnership represents a strategic effort to strengthen the relationship between mobile gaming and sports entertainment in India.

Aegis Insights Oct 20, 2023 1 min read

Krafton India Teams with Kolkata Knight Riders for BGMI Knight-Themed Gameplay Experience

Krafton India has entered into a partnership with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), an Indian Premier League cricket franchise, to introduce a Knight Rider-themed gameplay experience within the popular mobile game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). The collaboration features the release of KKR-branded in-game items, skins, and exclusive events designed to engage both cricket fans and the BGMI gaming community. This crossover initiative leverages the strong fan base of KKR and the growing popularity of BGMI in India to create interactive content blending esports with professional cricket. The partnership reflects Krafton India’s continued focus on integrating popular sports brands into gaming experiences to enhance user engagement and drive community excitement. By bringing iconic elements of the Kolkata Knight Riders into BGMI, the collaboration is positioned to strengthen fan loyalty and expand the game's appeal throughout the Indian market.

Aegis Insights Oct 19, 2023 1 min read

Krafton India and Kolkata Knight Riders Collaborate on BGMI Knight-Themed Gameplay Experience

Krafton India has partnered with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise to launch a unique BGMI gameplay experience themed around the Kolkata Knight Riders team. This collaboration introduces cricket-inspired elements into BGMI, aiming to provide players with a distinctive engagement that merges popular esports gaming with the cricket franchise's brand identity. The initiative reflects a growing trend of cross-vertical partnerships in the Indian market, capitalizing on the overlap between cricket fans and the BGMI player base. By integrating KKR themes into BGMI, Krafton India and the franchise seek to enhance user engagement and expand the reach of esports within the region.

Aegis Insights Sep 05, 2023 1 min read