Can PUBG be played in China?
In 2018, the popular battle royale game PUBG was banned in China, leaving many players wondering if it’s possible to play the game in the country. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the ban and explore the alternative options available to Chinese players.
Why was PUBG banned in China?
PUBG was initially banned in China in 2018 due to its "unpatriotic" content. The Chinese government deemed the game’s depictions of a fictional country, "Taoyuan," as "offending" and "endangering" the country’s national security. Additionally, the game’s servers were deemed to be operated by foreign companies, which was a concern for the government.
What’s the current situation?
Despite the initial ban, there is an alternative way for Chinese players to access PUBG. In 2020, Tencent Holdings, a Chinese gaming giant, released a modified version of PUBG called "Game for Peace" (GFP). This version of the game is specifically designed for the Chinese market and is compliant with the country’s strict regulations.
Game for Peace (GFP) – The alternative
GFP is an officially licensed version of PUBG that is designed to cater to the Chinese market. The game is modified to include patriotic elements and remove content deemed offensive by the Chinese government. While the gameplay is similar to the original PUBG, some features and modes are not available in the Chinese version.
Key differences between PUBG and GFP
Here are some key differences between PUBG and Game for Peace:
| Feature | PUBG | Game for Peace (GFP) |
|---|---|---|
| Game Modes | 7 modes, including Battle Royale, Teams of 2, and more | 4 modes, including Battle Royale and Team Deathmatch |
| Map | 5 maps, including Erangel, Miramar, and more | 2 maps, including Erangel and Miramar |
| Game Settings | Customizable graphics settings, including resolution, framerate, and more | Limited graphics settings, with no option to customize |
| Characters | 24 characters to choose from, each with unique abilities and playstyles | 16 characters to choose from, with no unique abilities |
Pros and Cons of playing Game for Peace
While Game for Peace is an alternative to PUBG, it has its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Available in China, allowing players to access the game
- Modified to include patriotic elements, making it compliant with Chinese regulations
- Regular updates with new content and events
Cons:
- Limited game modes and maps compared to PUBG
- No customizable graphics settings
- Some players may find the modified gameplay and settings too watered down
Conclusion
In conclusion, while PUBG is currently banned in China, there is an alternative way for Chinese players to access the game through Game for Peace (GFP). While the modified version has its limitations, it is still a great option for fans of the game who want to continue playing.