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Indian Game Companies Urge PM Modi for Uniform Treatment Amid BGMI Ban
A group of game companies in India has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a "uniform and fair treatment" for all entities operating in the South Asian market. This comes weeks after the country banned Krafton’s Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) title.
Unfortunate Event
In a letter addressed to PM Modi this month, the group described the ban on BGMI as an "unfortunate event." They stated that such arbitrary decisions run counter to established principles and will deny opportunities to an entire generation of youth in India. The letter was signed by founders of Outlier Games, Story Pix, Lucid Labs, Roach Interactive, Godspeed Games, Uniplay Digital, and four other firms.
Lack of Skilled Entrepreneurs
India has been lagging considerably in creating high-skilled entrepreneurs, the group noted. Global gaming giants have taken a long-term vision on fostering the local ecosystem. While capital and infrastructure are critical to the survival and development of the industry, the leading global video gaming companies with their experience and next-generation technology are needed for establishing a robust gaming eco-system in India.
Seeking Fair Treatment
The letter emphasized that India requires a uniform and fair treatment of all entities operating in the country. This will facilitate the growth of the video game industry, allowing it to compete globally. The group requested PM Modi’s urgent intervention in the matter and sought his counsel and guidance on working toward a more comprehensive dialogue and discussion in the future.
Growing Tensions between India and China
The ban on BGMI follows growing tensions between India and China. The two nuclear-armed neighboring nations have been at odds since deadly skirmishes along the Himalayan border in 2020. In response to the move, India has banned over 300 China-linked apps, including PUBG and TikTok.
Need for Clear Standards
The industry wishes to proactively engage with the government in forming a robust set of video games-centric policies based on global best practices. This will go a long way in creating an enabling and conducive environment that facilitates the growth of the video game industry, allowing it to compete globally.
Global Best Practices
The letter highlights the need for a clear set of standards and framework to ensure fairness and uniformity to all stakeholders. By doing so, India can create a robust gaming eco-system that attracts global players and fosters innovation in the sector.
Opportunities for Indian Youth
The ban on BGMI has denied opportunities to an entire generation of youth in India. The group emphasized that such arbitrary decisions will have far-reaching consequences for the country’s gaming industry. It is essential for the government to create a conducive environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in the gaming sector.
Global Gaming Industry’s Growth
The global gaming industry has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years. India, with its large youth population and growing demand for mobile games, presents an attractive market for game developers and publishers. However, the ban on BGMI has sent a negative signal to foreign investors and players.
Impact of Ban on Global Gaming Industry
The ban on BGMI has not only impacted Indian gamers but also affected the global gaming industry. The title had amassed over 100 million registered users in India before its removal from app stores. The development will have far-reaching consequences for the country’s gaming ecosystem and may deter foreign players from investing in the sector.
India’s Potential in Gaming Industry
India has immense potential in the gaming industry, with a growing market size and increasing demand for mobile games. However, the ban on BGMI and other China-linked apps has raised concerns about the government’s stance on the sector. It is essential for India to create a conducive environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in the gaming sector.
Industry-Wide Collaboration
The group emphasized the need for industry-wide collaboration with the government to create a robust gaming eco-system. By working together, India can establish itself as a major player in the global gaming market and attract foreign investment in the sector.
Global Gaming Giants’ Role
Leading global video gaming companies have taken a long-term vision on fostering the local ecosystem. They are needed for establishing a robust gaming eco-system in India. The government should provide a level playing field for all entities operating in the country, ensuring uniform treatment for all stakeholders.
Conclusion
The ban on BGMI has sent a negative signal to foreign investors and players. It is essential for India to create a conducive environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in the gaming sector. The industry group urges PM Modi to intervene in the matter and provide a fair treatment for all entities operating in the country.
Appendix
- List of signatories:
- Outlier Games
- Story Pix
- Lucid Labs
- Roach Interactive
- Godspeed Games
- Uniplay Digital
- [Other firms]
- Letter to PM Modi: Full text of the letter is available upon request.
Note: This article provides a neutral perspective on the issue, presenting both sides of the argument without taking any stance or promoting a particular agenda.
