Will PUBG Mobile and BGMI Merge in 2026? Everything You Need to Know

Updated: June 8, 2025

As we enter the second half of 2025, the gaming world in India remains energized by two giants: PUBG Mobile and BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India). With both titles offering similar core gameplay, millions of players are wondering: Will PUBG Mobile and BGMI merge in 2026? This post explores all the facts, expert opinions, legal context, and future possibilities around this hot topic.

Why Were PUBG Mobile and BGMI Separated?

In September 2020, PUBG Mobile was banned in India under Section 69A of the IT Act, due to concerns over data privacy and its Chinese publisher, Tencent. The ban led Krafton, the developer of PUBG, to relaunch the game as BGMI in mid-2021 — with an India-specific strategy.

BGMI was designed with local servers, limited blood effects (green by default), OTP-based login for minors, and strict playtime rules. It was Krafton’s answer to Indian regulatory conditions — and a way to legally bring battle royale gaming back to millions of Indian players.

Current Status as of 2025

As of June 2025:

• BGMI is fully operational and supported in India.
• PUBG Mobile remains banned officially in India.
• Krafton India manages BGMI independently from Tencent.
• The Indian government monitors BGMI’s data compliance regularly.

Key Differences Between PUBG Mobile and BGMI

• Servers: BGMI uses Indian servers; PUBG Mobile uses global ones.
• Publisher: BGMI is published by Krafton India; PUBG Mobile is still under Tencent globally.
• Content Tweaks: BGMI has green blood, renamed “Kills” to “Finishes”, and parental controls.
• Monetization: BGMI limits underage spending; PUBG Mobile does not.
• Events: BGMI features India-exclusive events and themes.

What’s Fueling Merger Speculation in 2025?

Rumors of a merger have gained traction in late 2024 and early 2025 due to:

• Krafton’s renewed focus on global integration
• Esports leagues discussing potential unification for global tournaments
• Community demands for global matchmaking and uniform content

However, Krafton has made no official statement supporting a merger, and Indian laws still prevent Tencent from re-entering directly through PUBG Mobile.

Would a Merger Even Be Legal?

Not easily. A PUBG–BGMI merge would likely:

• Reintroduce Tencent’s involvement — violating India’s ban
• Compromise India’s data localization rules
• Remove the custom safeguards built into BGMI for youth protection

Unless there’s a major policy shift, a full merger is likely to face legal and regulatory rejection by Indian authorities.

What Would a Merger Look Like Technically?

A unified PUBG/BGMI app would need:

• Server consolidation
• Unified account system (likely requiring player data migration)
• Localized policy handling by region (spending limits in India only)
• Common content roadmap with regional customizations

In short — possible, but extremely complex.

Esports Ecosystem: Combined or Separate?

Currently, PUBG Mobile hosts international tournaments (PMGC, PMWI) and BGMI runs its own (BGIS, BMPS). A merger could create massive cross-region battles but would likely require:

• Unified qualifier formats
• Brand adjustments for teams/sponsors
• Policy agreements with Indian esports regulators

Krafton’s Official Position

Krafton continues to treat BGMI as an independent product. The company’s Indian CEO confirmed in Q1 2025 earnings that BGMI is their “most important title in South Asia” and that they’re “committed to local compliance and growth.”

In other words — no official merger talk from the developers.

What Do Indian Laws Say?

Under India’s IT Act (Section 69A), apps can be banned if they endanger sovereignty, integrity, or data privacy. PUBG Mobile’s prior association with Tencent remains a red flag for regulators, even if Krafton owns the IP.

The Data Protection Act of 2023 also prohibits sensitive data being stored or accessed outside India without explicit consent.

Could It Still Happen in 2026?

It’s possible — but highly unlikely unless:

• Tencent exits entirely from global PUBG Mobile publishing
• Krafton creates a unified app with region-based restrictions
• Indian authorities explicitly approve the change

Until then, BGMI will remain India’s official version.

Final Thoughts

BGMI and PUBG Mobile may share the same DNA — but due to Indian law, regional restrictions, and branding strategy, they are unlikely to merge in 2026. Players in India can expect BGMI to evolve independently, while global players will continue with PUBG Mobile.

Follow All Techzy for the latest BGMI news, gaming updates, and esports coverage in 2025 and beyond!

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🧠 Final Note

This article is based on publicly available sources, news platforms, expert commentary, and social media trends as of June 8, 2025. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some details may change as official announcements evolve.

If you notice any incorrect or outdated information in this post, please contact us or comment below — we appreciate your help in keeping All Techzy reliable and honest.

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