Battlegrounds Mobile India is back with bang, TV channels line up to ride its popularity

The craze of ESports is rising at an unparallel pace in India and credit to the popular free-to-play battle royale game Battlegrounds Mobile India. Known as BGMI, the game is an Indian adaption of PUBG Mobile, which the government banned in 2020. Developed by Krafton, BGMI is a significant hit among youngsters in India, and over the last couple of years, it raised more than 100 million downloads. During the period there also came a period when the government took the extreme measure and banished the game citing security concerns. However, with its return the game is creating new records and the broadcasters are in a quest to bring it to every household.

3 things you need to know

• BGMI is a popular free-to-play battle royale game 
• It is an Indian adaptation of PUBG Mobile
• PUBG was banned in India in 2020

Also Read | 'BGMI is back': Netizens rejoice as Battlegrounds Mobile India server resumes to normal

BGMI's craze is rising at an unparallel pace in India

Two months after the anticipated return of BGMI in the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store, the game is once again gripping youngsters with its addictive gameplay. Teens and individuals in their 20s holding their smartphones in the landscape position has become a common sight in public vehicles, colleges, family functions, and of course in homes. The streamers who rose to fame by playing the game daily in front of a live audience, also have an immense contribution in giving the game the mass appeal. 

Also Read | As BGMI completes one year in India, Krafton releases Special Login event for players

Broadcasters are eager to tap into the BGMI market

With the popularity increasing at a lightning rate, popular broadcasters are lined up to make the most of the vogue. Star Sports, who in the past made a successful endeavor in bringing Kabaddi to the mainstream, has jumped into the fray to take the first mover advantage again. As the BGMI Masters tournament is on the horizon, the network is planning to bring the coverage to the audience in three languages. Moreover, the new player in the market, Jio Cinema has notified that it will bring in the Rooter streaming platform, which is the streaming partner of the competition, to its set-top box service. Plus, one of the premier networks in India, Sony may also enter the mix, considering the network is open to broadcast games like Panja.

The BGMI Masters tournament which took off last year, raked in 36 million views on its television debut and the numbers are expected to go up exponentially this time. So, with all the hype train, What is your take on BGMI? Are you one of the gamers who has given it a go?