The Indian mobile gaming industry has witnessed its own set of challenges in terms of regulations, but the difference between Krafton’s Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Garena’s Free Fire India is quite remarkable. Both games had been strictly banned under Section 69A of the IT Act. However, as we are moving towards mid-2026, BGMI is ruling the roost, and Free Fire India is nowhere to be seen.
Here is an analytical study of why one has made a successful comeback and the other seems to be less likely to make an entry.
How BGMI Got Unbanned After Swift Compliance
When BGMI was banned from app stores in July 2022, Krafton did not just wait. Krafton considered the Indian market an absolute priority. They immediately addressed the government’s concerns about data privacy by moving servers, cutting all ties with China for data sharing, and imposing heavy playtime restrictions.
Krafton’s efforts paid off when they were given a three-month trial unbanning in May 2023. By fully cooperating with all regulatory monitors, Krafton ensured that it was staying in the game for good. Krafton showed the world that by being open with communication and following local data localization laws to the letter, a ban can be turned around.
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The Free Fire India Release Limbo: A Missed Window
Garena’s approach has been vastly different. Following the original Free Fire ban in February 2022, the publisher remained quiet until August 2023, when they announced a localized “Free Fire India” app set for a September 5 release. The hype was massive, featuring brand partnerships and promises of India-exclusive features.
Then, the app was delayed just days before the launch to “refine localization” and complete server setups with local data centers. Now, more than two years later, Garena has maintained absolute radio silence.
There have been no developer updates, no teasers, and no revised timelines. In the gaming industry, a two-year delay with zero communication usually signals that development is either paused or facing insurmountable regulatory roadblocks.
The Real Reason: The Free Fire MAX Safety Net
In reality, Garena might not be in a rush to launch Free Fire India because they already have a functioning alternative: Free Fire MAX.
Because the MAX version was excluded from the original government ban, it remains fully active and monetizable in India. Garena has cleverly shifted its entire operational focus to this app. If you look at the 2026 esports roadmap, massive investments are being poured into the Free Fire MAX India Cup (FFMIC) Spring tournament. Garena is building its competitive ecosystem and qualifying Indian teams for global events entirely through the MAX version
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If a dedicated Free Fire India app were genuinely close to release, it is highly unlikely the publisher would anchor their flagship 2026 tournaments to the MAX version.
