The Chinese gaming giant Tencent has secured the rights for PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds). However, to release the game in China, adjustments to the violence are necessary.
Until now, PUBG could not officially be played in China. “Not officially” means that players could download and play the game via Steam, but there was no publisher for it. It operated in a gray area.
Now the Chinese giant Tencent has secured exclusive rights for the release in China, but with a catch.
Too much violence – Prefer mush over blood?
In China, the battle royale shooter “PUBG” is popular, but it is not favored by the government. With its “survival battle” and pure violence, the game contradicts the socialist fundamental principles and traditional Chinese culture, as stated by an article from a government-affiliated body.
They compared PUBG to the decadent gladiatorial contests in ancient Rome and feared that such games could negatively impact the well-being of children and adolescents. They warned that it would be difficult to distribute battle royale games in China. That’s what was recently reported from government circles.
Through the new partnership between PUBG developer “Bluehole” and Tencent, the shooter is set to change for players in China. “Tencent will adjust the content and ensure that the game aligns with the socialist core values of China,” says Tencent.
It is still unclear how these changes will impact the game. The Chinese version of PUBG, according to Tencent, is supposed to “convey healthy and positive values, especially for teenagers.”
To comply with Chinese laws, even the Necromancer in Blizzard’s Diablo 3 had to be altered. The spooky character, who masters blood spells and can summon skeleton warriors, uses oil instead of blood in the Chinese version.
Whether Chinese players will also have to forgo blood and other effects in PUBG will be seen after the release in China. We are eager to see what a PUBG version that “conveys healthy and positive values” looks like. Perhaps instead of grenades, they will throw healthy apples?
Political and economic aspects
Apart from this “official aspect,” the action also has an economic undertone. China has protectionist ideas, thus protecting its own market. Anyone wanting to do business in China often cannot avoid a partnership with Chinese companies; otherwise, they risk trouble with the authorities.
U.S. corporations like Blizzard or even a South Korean company like Bluehole are wise to seek a Chinese partner who can bring the necessary political capital to avoid problems. Chinese companies like Tencent (LoL) or Netease (which handles Blizzard games) benefit significantly from the exclusive rights for the distribution of popular Western games in China.
The government’s recent statement declaring PUBG a ban could also be interpreted as a threat. The commission that issued the warning also includes Tencent. Other major Chinese developers, who are also working on their own battle royale games, are also on the commission.
This new PUBG weapon is familiar to many from their Counter-Strike beginnings
