As BGMI gears up for the highly anticipated 4.0 update, players are set to experience a striking fusion of culture and competition with the introduction of the Stepwell POI in Erangel coming with BGMI 4.0 Update. Designed as a layered battleground inspired by India’s architectural heritage, the Stepwell brings vertical combat, hidden pathways, and Diwali-themed spectacles into the game. In an exclusive conversation with InsideSport, Karan Gaikwad, Lead of Product at KRAFTON India, shares insights on how this innovation reflects the studio’s vision of rooting BGMI more deeply in Indian identity while pushing gameplay to new tactical dimensions.
BGMI 4.0 Update brings Stepwell POI in Erangel
What was the core design philosophy behind introducing the Stepwell POI in Erangel?
Our goal with Stepwell was to blend India’s cultural identity with gameplay innovation. Stepwells are iconic architectural landmarks that symbolize community spaces, and we wanted to translate that into a battleground that feels authentic and tactical. By introducing vertical combat zones layered into a traditional open-field map, we created fresh strategy opportunities. The design philosophy was simple – celebrating heritage while advancing the competitive depth of BGMI.
Were there any specific challenges in balancing gameplay between layered vertical combat and traditional open-field battles?
Balancing Stepwell meant carefully ensuring that vertical layers didn’t overwhelm the traditional Erangel meta. We had to design sightlines, cover points, and ambush mechanics that created fairness for both inside and outside combatants. The challenge was in preventing either playstyle from dominating the match. Through iteration, we found a balance where Stepwell rewards tactical precision but still complements BGMI’s open-world dynamics.
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What were the cultural or architectural references used during the development of this location?
Stepwells in Gujarat and Rajasthan were our key inspiration—structures that embody centuries of Indian engineering and artistry. We translated the multi-tiered design and symmetrical patterns into a functional gameplay arena. The idea was to ground BGMI in familiar cultural contexts without losing its global competitiveness. This approach helps Indian players feel represented while also showcasing India’s architectural marvels to a global audience.
How does the Weekend GRIND feature encourage more community-driven engagement versus regular gameplay?
Weekend GRIND gives players a reason to come together on weekends by offering special rewards, like temporary sets, covers, and parachutes, for logging in and playing 90 minutes. The time-bound design encourages players to sync up with friends, turning weekends into peak moments of community engagement.
BGMI 4.0 Update brings Diwali Exchange Center and Themed Fireworks
The Diwali Exchange Center and themed fireworks tie directly into Indian celebrations. How did the team decide on these India-centric elements?
Indian festivals like Diwali are moments of unity, joy, and cultural pride, and we wanted BGMI to mirror that. The Exchange Center, themed rewards, and fireworks displays turn gameplay into a festival arena, merging digital experiences with real-world celebrations. These features were chosen to resonate emotionally with Indian players. By doing so, we ensure BGMI is not just a game, but also part of India’s cultural calendar.
What’s your vision for BGMI’s evolution in India over the next couple of years?
We envision BGMI as more than just India’s most-played game, it will evolve into a complete gaming ecosystem. From R&D and localized content to esports leagues and community events, our roadmap is focused on scale and sustainability. The next few years will see BGMI push boundaries of storytelling, competition, and cultural resonance. Our vision is to make India a global hub for mobile gaming innovation through BGMI.
Battlegrounds Mobile India 4.0 Update is now live with new themed mode including Stepwell POI in Erangel. Dive into battleground and explore new content now.
