India / PUBG looks for local partner after cutting ties with Tencent in India: Reports

South Korea's PUBG Corporation is reportedly looking to partner with an Indian gaming firm after revoking Chinese internet giant Tencent's rights to publish PUBG Mobile in India. PUBG Corp will retain the publishing rights while the Indian partner will handle distribution, reports said. The government recently banned 118 apps including PUBG Mobile citing data security concerns.

Deccan Herald : Sep 09, 2020, 01:41 PM

New Delhi: Almost a week after the online mobile game PUBG was banned in the country, the South Korean maker is looking to tie up with an Indian firm to ensure survival in its biggest market.

PUBG Corp on Tuesday cancelled the license to the Chinese firm Tencent Games to operate PUBG Mobile in India.

A new licensing agreement is in talks with an Indian gaming company, according to a report by Mint quoting a person aware of the ongoing negotiations. The firm will possess the rights to run the multiplayer game in India.

The deal will have an Indian partner running the distribution side of the game, while PUBG Corp will hold the publishing rights.

The app ban has caused severe economic damage to Tenecent, as industry experts claim PUBG Mobile made over $100 million in 2019 from in-app purchases in the country.

The mobile game joins the list of popular Chinese apps such as TikTok, Camscanner, Shein among others. The government's move to remove 118 Chinese apps came as retaliation against China in the wake of the border clashes at the Galwan Valley in June.