PUBG Mobile Ban : health reminder spotted in-game, limits play time of Indian users

Gujrat government issued a directive in January to ban PUBG Mobile game in several districts, citing an addiction among players. The ban later resulted in the arrest of 10 people in Rajkot for playing the game. 

The game makers have been looking at ways to avoid the ban and the arrests, and its first attempt is by sending 'Health Reminders' to players. This new feature activates when a player is using the app for too long. The health reminder feature stops the game and asks the player to come back after a stipulated time.

In past couple of days, PUBG Mobile players from across India have been posting screenshots of this new feature on Twitter. Once activated, the feature limits the play time of the users and asks them to come back after an interval. At first, the game requests users to activate health reminder if they are below 18 years of age. After being activated, it stops the game if the user plays it for more than six hours.

Some users have reported seeing the reminder in two-hour interval as well. It then asks the user to come back to the game later. There is no reversal or bypass option reported so far.

This new health reminder feature has gained mixed reactions from players. Many of them are unhappy at their game suddenly being stopped. Some also claim that the reminder shows up even if they are above 18 years of age.

Regarding the ban, PUBG mobile makers had earlier issued a statement saying that it would work with the government to ensure that it is enjoyed in a healthy and responsible manner. 

"In consonance with our endeavour to continue promoting responsible gaming experience, we are working on the introduction of a healthy gameplay system in India to promote balanced, responsible gaming, including limiting play time for under-aged players", said Tencent Games in a statement.

As mentioned, Rajkot Police arrested ten players for playing the game earlier this month, after it was banned in Gujrat. The Rajkot Police also seized the mobile phones of players for purpose of investigation going as far as to state that players were so engrossed in the game that they didn't even see the police approach them.