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Inside the Battlegrounds Mobile India ban, and the impact on India’s mobile games market
The Indian government requested Apple and Google to remove Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) from their app stores on July 28th, one year after it launched in the country. Our research shows that the popular battle royale game, published by South Korean firm Krafton, is no longer available for download. The request comes in the wake of several allegations made against the game for being a rebranded version of PUBG Mobile, which was banned in September 2020 due to national security concerns. These concerns were recently raised in the Indian Parliament, with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stating that BGMI was a different app to PUBG Mobile, suggesting it was not a national security concern. It’s unclear what changed to cause MeitY to pull the app.
While the government has not issued a statement to confirm the game is permanently banned, Reuters reported that the title was pulled by MeitY using Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, the same act that was used to justify the ban of 321 mobile apps since June 2020. BGMI is the 57th game pulled due to this regulation. The bans have primarily targeted mobile apps from China, primarily citing national security risks. BGMI’s takedown comes just 5 months after the ban of Garena Free Fire, the most popular battle royale game in India until then.
Krafton launched BGMI after PUBG Mobile was banned
MeitY originally banned PUBG Mobile in September 2020 due to national security and data privacy issues following, though not necessarily as a result of border tensions with China. While the PUBG IP is owned by Krafton, PUBG Mobile was developed and published in India by Chinese gaming giant Tencent. At the time of its ban, PUBG Mobile was the #1 game in India by both revenue and downloads and had been a key driver of mobile gaming growth in the country. The ban had a profound impact on the battle royale segment and broader gaming ecosystem, with the unserved demand satiated by Garena Free Fire over time.
Krafton announced in November 2020 that it would bring its core battle royale experience back to India, with BGMI launching in July 2021. Krafton fully committed to the Indian market by self-publishing the title, introducing local servers to store user data securely and in country, and by announcing it would invest over US$100 million in the Indian gaming, esports, entertainment and IT industries, which it has done. The game saw significantly high uptake at launch given the popularity of battle royale games in the country, with 40 million registrations prior to launch and 16 million daily active users in its first 10 days.
BGMI had over 100 million downloads in its first year
BGMI has been a huge success for Krafton and the title was on track to reach the 200 million download mark that PUBG Mobile had achieved prior to its September 2020 ban. The title had quickly become the #2 highest grossing mobile game in India and its 2022 revenue was set to exceed that of PUBG Mobile’s peak year. BGMI has also become the leading esports title in India with Krafton investing heavily in the space to set up the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series, an official league for Indian teams with a prize pool of US$260,000.
According to Niko’s Asia Esports Tracker, BGMI is the #1 title by prize pool in India, with its total 2022 prize pool accounting for 35% of total prize pool revenue for all local and regional esports tournaments. The game also saw massive endorsement from streamers, esports organizations, and teams with high participation across key events. The BGMI Masters Series LAN event was also the first tournament to be televised live on Indian TV, reaching 12.3 million viewers.
How this impacts India’s mobile game market
If BGMI does not return to app stores, we believe it may have a material impact on the short-term growth rate of India’s mobile game market and the esports ecosystem. Battle royale is the most popular mobile game genre by player spending in India according to data from Sensor Tower, accounting for over 1/3 of total mobile game spending in 2021. BGMI and Free Fire accounted for over 95% of total spend on mobile battle royale games in 2021 and H1 2022, but both titles have been removed from app stores this year. However, Niko’s research shows that Free Fire MAX, a high-end version of Free Fire from Garena, remains available on Google Play. It’s unclear how MAX is still operating on Google Play, but the MAX version was not specifically included in the ban list where Free Fire was banned.
There will also be a negative impact on the broader BGMI ecosystem, especially within esports and live streaming. Everyday players will now be looking for a new title to play, and we expect most to shift over to Free Fire MAX assuming the title continues to operate. Call of Duty: Mobile (Activision Blizzard) may also benefit given its strong position in the market as an established shooter game with a battle royale mode that consistently ranks in the top ten game revenue chart. Apex Legends Mobile (Electronic Arts), New State (Krafton – Title was formerly PUBG New State) and Farlight 84 (Lilith Games) are core battle royale games that may also benefit, but we note that these titles are not as established as Call of Duty Mobile and Free Fire MAX.
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In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage
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Groove Technologies, the powerhouse aggregator renowned for its elite content portfolio, today announced a strategic distribution partnership with breakout studio InOut Games, the creative force behind the viral sensation Chicken Road. This move integrates InOut Games’ innovative content directly into Groove’s vast ecosystem, providing its global operator network with access to one of the industry’s most talked-about new providers.
This partnership arrives as InOut Games makes its highly anticipated leap into the slot market with Chicken Royal. Inspired by the iconic crash game that captivated a global audience, this new slot transports the beloved chicken into a dynamic, feature-rich format. Designed to engage both seasoned slot players and fans of the original, Chicken Royal marks a pivotal “in” for the studio, expanding its portfolio beyond crash mechanics and signaling its commitment to versatile, high-impact entertainment.
With the addition of InOut Games, Groove’s entertainment ecosystem now blankets over 150 top-tier game providers. Operators worldwide, connected via Groove’s single, streamlined API, will gain immediate access to a catalogue renowned for its fast-paced thrills and unmatched player engagement.
This partnership is a direct reflection of Groove’s strategy to identify and distribute the content that defines the next wave of player preferences.
Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, said: “Our mission is to keep our partners on the cutting edge, and InOut Games represents exactly the kind of innovative talent that moves the needle. This partnership isn’t just about adding games; it’s about injecting our ecosystem with a unique energy that drives retention and revenue.”
Groove’s enterprise-grade platform, equipped with advanced player engagement tools and real-time analytics, ensures that titles from studios like InOut Games achieve maximum visibility and profitability from day one.
“We are confident this partnership will catapult us to an entirely new level of distribution,” said Vladislav Snak, CEO of InOut Games. “Groove’s reach and technological prowess are the perfect accelerants for our growth as we roll out our expanded portfolio.”
Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO at Groove, added: “The ‘In’ and ‘Out’ of success in this industry is having the right content with the right partners. With InOut Games, we’re not just bringing a studio in; we’re helping to phase out the ordinary. Their bold transition into slots is a game-changer, and through our platform, that change will resonate across the entire operator landscape.”
The post In, Out, Shake It All About: Groove Technologies and InOut Games Partner to Rattle the iGaming Cage appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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EvenBet Gaming Presents Spins Poker: A Revolution in Online Poker
EvenBet Gaming, a well-known developer of online gaming software, has announced the launch of its new innovative product – EvenBet Spins. This project promises to completely redefine the perception of poker by combining elements of classic poker games with the dynamics of slot mechanics. Even in the online gambling world, where genuine innovations are rare, EvenBet Spins stands out as a genuine breakthrough poised to attract a broad audience of players.
What is EvenBet Spins?
EvenBet Spins is a unique solution that blends poker mechanics and casino game experience into a single product. Unlike traditional poker, which involves long sessions and deep strategies, Spins Poker offers fast-paced and thrilling rounds that last only a few minutes. It is a perfect choice for players who prefer quick games where the outcome can change in a matter of seconds.
In addition, the inclusion of random win multipliers and hyper-turbo rounds adds an extra layer of excitement reminiscent of slot and jackpot games. This means every round can deliver a surprise, making the gameplay even more engaging. EvenBet Spins opens new horizons for those seeking shorter, more dynamic, and visually exciting poker experiences – without losing the familiar core mechanics of the game.
Integration with Casino and Sportsbook Platforms
Spins Poker offers a streamlined integration process tailored for casino and sportsbook operators seeking to expand their product offerings without the operational complexity of a traditional poker environment. The system integrates seamlessly with existing platforms, enabling operators to introduce poker-style gameplay to audiences accustomed to slots or sports betting, while minimizing the management overhead typically associated with a full poker room.
A simplified product structure eliminates the need for a dedicated poker operations team, extensive onboarding, or continuous oversight. Fraud monitoring and AML workloads remain significantly lower when compared to comprehensive poker solutions. As a result, Spins Poker becomes an accessible addition for operators aiming to diversify engagement tools with minimal resource commitment.
According to Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, the concept behind Spins Poker focuses on reducing operational barriers for operators. He highlighted several key advantages:
- Straightforward integration into websites or applications;
- No requirement for an internal poker management team, since the product only needs initial setup with periodic adjustments of buy-ins and multipliers;
- Lower operational effort compared to full-scale poker platforms, which typically demand more preparation, configuration, and ongoing optimization;
- The ability for operators to test poker demand among casino and sportsbook audiences without investing in dedicated staff, lengthy integrations, or extensive marketing campaigns.
In essence, Spins Poker serves as a low-risk, low-maintenance entry point into poker verticals. Its simplified mechanics, flexible configuration, and compatibility with casino and sportsbook platforms make it an efficient tool for testing audience interest and expanding engagement without the commitment required for traditional poker solutions.
Design and Mobile Optimization
Special attention has been given to design and mobile optimization in EvenBet Spins. Considering the growing popularity of mobile gaming, the product was developed with a mobile-first approach to ensure maximum user comfort and convenience. The simple interface, intuitive navigation, and fast loading times make the game accessible to players of all experience levels.
The overall design emphasizes minimalism and functionality, ensuring a smooth and comfortable gaming experience. The product also adheres to the latest UX design trends, making it equally convenient on smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices. The mobile version of the game is ideal for players who enjoy gaming anytime and anywhere, making EvenBet Spins accessible to a wide range of audiences.
How EvenBet Spins is Changing the Online Poker Market
EvenBet Spins is not just another poker format – it’s a true revolution in the world of online gambling. It transforms the perception of online poker from a niche game to a new level, where speed and excitement become central to the gameplay.
This product opens new opportunities for both players and operators. The integration of random multipliers, hyper-turbo rounds, and other innovations within poker mechanics not only makes the game more appealing to newcomers but also introduces new engagement tools for experienced players. EvenBet Spins has the potential to set a new standard in the online poker industry and open up new perspectives for online casinos and sportsbooks.
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TCSJOHNHUXLEY Acquires GPI Dice Business, Becomes Global Dice Industry Leader.
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TCSJOHNHUXLEY, the leading global supplier of world-class casino equipment and services, today announced the strategic acquisition of the dice manufacturing business from Gaming Partners International (GPI).
This landmark acquisition provides TCSJOHNHUXLEY with immediate ownership of GPI’s dice manufacturing capabilities, significantly expanding the company’s production footprint and product portfolio.
With this purchase, TCSJOHNHUXLEY is reinforcing its position as the definitive industry leader. The company will now offer three premier dice brands: TK, Paulson, and TCSJOHNHUXLEY. Crucially, operations will be maintained in both Mexico and Missouri, USA, providing customers with dual supply capabilities for enhanced supply chain resilience and flexibility across all global markets.
This acquisition is a strategic move that enhances TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s core offering, secures its dominance in the dice sector, and ensures the continued delivery of the highest quality and most secure gaming dice to casinos worldwide.
The combined capabilities solidify the company’s commitment to producing the highest standard of precision gaming dice. TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s own “Certified Perfects” Dice are globally acknowledged as the world-wide industry standard for casino gaming dice and are trusted globally for accuracy, quality, and security. Available for Craps, Sic Bo, and Pai Gow, the dice can be specified with razor edge or ball corner profiles, come in various sizes, and are manufactured with dots flush to the surface before being wrapped in the signature gold foil, with options for monogramming or serialization to a casino’s specifications, ensuring complete security.
Tristan Sjoberg, Executive Chairman of TCSJOHNHUXLEY, commented “The acquisition of the GPI dice business is a truly transformative step for TCSJOHNHUXLEY. By immediately securing the renowned TK and Paulson brands, we are fundamentally consolidating our position as the definitive global leader in casino dice manufacturing. Leveraging this increased scale and our dual production capabilities, we can provide customers with unmatched supply security and sustained access to the world’s most precise, trusted, and high-quality gaming dice.”
The post TCSJOHNHUXLEY Acquires GPI Dice Business, Becomes Global Dice Industry Leader. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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