This month, the authorities in India temporarily banned PUBG Mobile in several cities across the country. Due to excessive engagement in the battle royale game, which has been linked to several deaths, at least ten individuals have been arrested, most of whom are students. Shortly thereafter, users began receiving unexpected notifications about interrupted gaming sessions: developers remind players that prolonged gameplay can harm health and encourage them to return later.
Users reported on Twitter and Reddit about the unexpected notifications. Players are informed that they have exhausted their session duration limit and can resume the game only after some time. One of the screenshots below mentions a limit of six hours per day, but some clarified that this sometimes occurs after two or four hours. Gamers have noticed that this varies depending on the age indicated at registration (for those under 18, the limit is stricter). It seems that developers are currently testing this new feature, as it does not apply to everyone (however, it appears not to be limited to India). Similar measures to combat addiction are being implemented in China, where games are allowed for sale only after passing strict censorship.
As explained by Indian sources, the ban on PUBG Mobile was imposed on March 9 and will be lifted on March 30. Anyone who violates it is arrested in accordance with Article 188 of the Indian Penal Code (‘Disobedience to an order issued by a public servant in the lawful exercise of their duty’). The maximum penalty under this article is imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to one thousand rupees. Originally, the ban applied only to two cities in Gujarat: Rajkot and Surat, but later the initiative was supported by authorities in other areas. They maintain that PUBG Mobile causes gaming addiction, harms health, and provokes aggressive behavior.
During the investigation, mobile devices were seized from those taken into custody. According to investigator Rohit Raval, some were so engrossed in the shooter that they didn't even notice the approaching law enforcement officers. Everyone caught by the police while playing PUBG Mobile is advised to strictly comply with their orders — to exit the game, turn off their phone, and not to resist. In this case, there might be a chance to avoid prison punishment. Moreover, parents and teachers are recommended to keep an eye on teenagers, as many conceal their gaming activities (which is also a violation of the law).
Indian authorities have taken drastic measures following several high-profile incidents linked to PUBG Mobile. For instance, a student committed suicide after his parents refused to buy him a smartphone for the battle royale, while a ten-year-old child withdrew 50,000 rupees from his father's bank account to spend on in-game purchases and a gamepad. Addiction to the game is also being considered as a cause of death for a 20-year-old young man.
The free-to-play PUBG Mobile was released by the Chinese company Tencent Games in 2018 for Android and iOS.
Source: 3dnews.ru
