Today The biggest challenge in indian esports scene is game bans. every esports athlete is tired because game bans. while gaming and esports are booming in india. players have constant fear of game bans and unclear regulations to affect the community in major ways. you have to know about bans and regulations of indian esports , why games get banned , how they differ from each other and what the future look like for esports athlete and gamers in indian esports industry for stable career.
What’s the Difference Between a Ban and a Regulation?
first let me clear that bans is not same as a regulations.
- A game or app get banned when they completely blocked and had no access no play.
- When Rules and guidelines are created to control and guilde the industry is called regulation.
A Ban is a STOP sign. A Regulation is a Road Map
For indian esports to grow, we need proper regulations, not sudden bans. unfortunately, what often happens is that gamers are banned general laws without specific esports policies in place.
The PUBG Mobile Ban
Back in 2020 when indian government banned PUBG mobile. and it massive impact the indian esports or gaming industry because PUBG Mobile help to boots up the indian esports industry. and after ban it sent shockwave through the indian esports community.
Why Was PUBG Mobile Banned?
- indian government concerns over data privacy of every indian and it linked with to chinese developers.
- PUBG Mobile get banned under section 69A of the IT Act which allows the goverment to block apps that threaten national security or public order.
What Was the Impact? A Game Changer
- All the ongoing tournaments were cancelled.
- top teams of indian gaming community like TSM-Entity, Fnatic india, and team Soul had to pause.
- Livelihoods and sponsorships were affected.
The ban of game did not just shutdown a game. it put careers, dreams and india mometum in global esports on hold.
The Free Fire Ban – Another Setback
on february 2022 Garena Free Fire was also banned under similar national security reasons.
Why Did It Hurt Even More?
- free fire is a top game in tier 2 tier 3 towns and it worked well on low end devices.
- free fire played huge role in grass roots growth.
- its ongoing tournaments on college level are cancelled and student players lost their primary platform.
With the ban of free fire the entry point for many first time esports players cut off across india.
The Legal Side Under Which Law Are Games Banned?
Games and apps are bans under section 69A of the information technology Act 2000
What Is Section 69A?
section 69A allows the indian government to block access to apps or websites If they are found to:
- threaten national security
- disturb public order
- violate user privacy or laws
But the issue is that the process lacks transparency, there are no notice to the players community and there are no clear path for unbanning or legal appeal.
Are Esports Players Breaking the Law?
Absolutely Not a common misconception is that playing or streaming a banned game is illegal that not always a case. playing a banned game is not a criminal offense unless you are distributing, promoting, or profiting from it illegally. but unfortunately many gamers treated like criminals by society simply for playing video games this stigma needs to go.
Why India Needs Esports Specific Regulations
india needs esports specific Regulations because there are no dedicated esports law or policy in india. in india where esports exists in legal grey area. often connect with gambling . or general gaming.
What Do We Need?
- In india esports need a its separate legal identity (just like traditional esports)
- Needs proper guideline for player contracts, prize money, and age verification.
- Also need a clear distinction between games of skills(esports) and games of chance(gambling)
- A central governing body for esports.
In shorts indian esports need system that support esports not stifle them with confusion.
Esports vs Online Gambling – A Serious Confusion
In india there are biggest issues is the confusion between esports and online gambling the eyes of law, and parents or government.
What’s the Difference?
Esports = esports is skill based, competitive video gaming (BGMI, VALORANT)
Online Gambling = Chance based games like rummy or teen patti for real money
But in discussions Both are often categorized together which leads to:
- Misleading bans
- Wrong messaging in media
- Negative public perception
Esports is NOT Gambling. its a digital sport.
How Other Countries Handle Esports Laws
Other countries have better and proper laws for esports other than india. lets comapre dedicated indian and other countries esports laws or policies:
South Korea
- the world leader in esports
- esports stadiums and governments backed tournaments
- pro players get military service exemptions
CHINA
- Extremely regulated with strict gaming time limits for minors
- Heavy censorship but still massive government involvement
USA
- Treat esports as part of entertainments and sports industry
- offers athlete visas to esports players
INDIA
- Bans major games without clear regulatuons
- No esports specific legal recognition until recently
- public and parental confusion still strong
Government Recognition – A Step in the Right Direction
india got recognized esports as official multi sports event in 2023 under the ministry of youth affairs and sports.
Why Is This Important?
- It Brings esports under the eyes government and get recognized sports
- opens the doors of funding, infrastructure, and global representation
- helps legitimize the industry in front of parents, brands and media
its a great start for indian esports industry but recognition is not enough we also need execution
What the Community Can Do
the indian esports community players, fans streamers, and organizers must unite to shape of future.
STEPS FORWORDS
- File petitions and engage in public dialogue with lawmakers
- raise awareness campaigns to educate the public and media
- support the creation of national esports body
- involve parents and educators in conversations about safe, structured gaming
Conclusion – What We Need is Balance, Not Bans
The story of bans regulations in indian esports is one missed opportunities and massive potential. game bans might be based on national interest but without proper structure and planning of indian esports community they hurt the entire industry.
What Indian esports needs is:
Clear esports specific laws
Transparent and fair regulatory processes
legal separations from gambling and casual gaming
a culture shift where gaming is seen as serious career not just hobby
“If India wants to be a global esports leader, we must treat gamers like athletes, not criminals.”
What’s your experience with gaming bans in India? Have you been affected by PUBG or Free Fire shutdowns? Share your story in the comments let’s get the conversation started!