BGMI Comeback Explained: Why Free Fire India Is Still Delayed

Why BGMI Made a Comeback While Free Fire India Is Still Delayed

Why did BGMI manage to return successfully while the release of Free Fire India continues to face indefinite delays? The answer lies in regulatory compliance, strategic decision-making, and long-term business planning.

The Indian mobile gaming industry has undergone major regulatory changes over the past few years, creating significant challenges for publishers. Two of the biggest titles affected were Krafton’s Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Garena’s Free Fire. Both games were banned under Section 69A of the IT Act due to data security and privacy concerns. However, as we move into mid-2026, BGMI has re-established its dominance, while Free Fire India remains unreleased.

Here’s a closer look at the key reasons behind this contrasting outcome.

How BGMI Secured Its Unban Through Rapid Compliance

When BGMI was removed from app stores in July 2022, Krafton acted swiftly. The company treated India as a priority market and immediately took steps to address the government’s concerns. These included relocating data servers to India, ensuring strict data localization, ending all data-sharing links with Chinese entities, and introducing enhanced playtime limits to promote responsible gaming.

Krafton also maintained transparent communication with regulatory authorities, providing detailed reports and technical documentation. This proactive approach resulted in a three-month trial approval in May 2023. During this period, Krafton complied with continuous monitoring and implemented additional safeguards, ultimately securing BGMI’s permanent return.

The success of BGMI highlights how regulatory cooperation, fast decision-making, and local compliance can reverse even strict bans.

Why Free Fire India Is Still Stuck in Release Limbo

Garena followed a very different strategy. After Free Fire was banned in February 2022, the company remained largely silent until August 2023, when it announced a localized version, Free Fire India, scheduled for launch in early September.

The announcement generated massive hype, with promises of India-specific features, enhanced data protection, and local partnerships. However, just days before launch, Garena postponed the release, citing the need for further refinements and server readiness. Since then, there have been no official updates, revised launch dates, or developer communications.

More than two years later, this prolonged silence has raised serious doubts about the project’s future. In the gaming industry, extended delays without transparency often indicate unresolved regulatory challenges or internal development setbacks.

The Key Factor: Free Fire MAX as a Strategic Alternative

One major reason behind Garena’s lack of urgency may be the continued success of Free Fire MAX. This enhanced version was not part of the original ban and remains fully operational in India. As a result, Garena has redirected its business and esports strategy toward Free Fire MAX.

The company has heavily invested in the Free Fire MAX India Cup (FFMIC) and other competitive tournaments, building a strong esports ecosystem around this version. Indian teams now qualify for international events exclusively through MAX-based competitions, further strengthening its position.

With consistent revenue generation and a thriving esports scene, Garena appears to have little immediate pressure to launch a separate Free Fire India app. If a dedicated Indian version were close to release, it is unlikely that the publisher would structure its 2026 esports roadmap entirely around Free Fire MAX.

Final Verdict

BGMI’s comeback showcases the power of swift regulatory compliance, transparency, and market prioritization. In contrast, Free Fire India’s prolonged delay seems to stem from strategic realignment, reliance on Free Fire MAX, and unresolved regulatory complexities.

Unless Garena changes its approach or receives regulatory clearance soon, Free Fire India’s official release may continue to remain uncertain.