The world of online multiplayer battle royales can be confusing, especially when games change names, get rebranded, or even disappear and reappear. One question that plagues many gamers, especially those who were early adopters of the phenomenon, is: “Do I have to buy PUBG again?” Let’s dive deep into this question, exploring the different versions of the game, their platforms, and what ownership really means in today’s digital gaming landscape.
Understanding The PUBG Universe: A History And Overview
To understand whether you need to purchase the game again, it’s crucial to know the history and the current landscape of the PUBG universe. Originally, there was PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), the game that popularized the battle royale genre. This game was available on PC, consoles (like Xbox and PlayStation), and mobile.
PUBG Mobile, developed by Tencent Games, quickly became a global sensation, especially in regions like India. However, political tensions and data privacy concerns led to PUBG Mobile being banned in India. This is where the story gets more complicated.
Following the ban, Krafton, the South Korean company behind the original PUBG, developed a new version specifically for the Indian market: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). This version was essentially a reskinned PUBG Mobile with some localized features and content.
The situation evolved further when BGMI itself faced a temporary ban in India before eventually being reinstated. This constant shifting and rebranding has left many players wondering about the status of their purchases and whether they need to reinvest in what feels like the same game.
PC And Console: The Original PUBG
If you purchased PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) for PC or consoles (Xbox, PlayStation), you generally do not need to purchase it again. The game has continued to receive updates and improvements under the original PUBG name. As long as you have access to the account you used to purchase the game, you should be able to download and play it without any additional costs (aside from optional in-game purchases).
However, it’s important to note that PUBG on PC and consoles has transitioned to a free-to-play model. This means that the base game is now free for everyone to download and play. However, there are paid upgrades, such as Battlegrounds Plus, that offer additional benefits and features. If you previously purchased the game, you likely received a Battlegrounds Plus upgrade automatically. So, you might not need to purchase anything at all!
Free-to-Play Transition And Battlegrounds Plus
The move to a free-to-play model was a significant shift for PUBG on PC and consoles. It opened the game up to a much wider audience but also introduced a tiered system with the Battlegrounds Plus upgrade. This upgrade provides players who purchased the game before the transition, or those who choose to buy it now, with access to ranked matches, bonus XP, and exclusive in-game items.
Mobile: PUBG Mobile Vs. BGMI
The mobile situation is much more nuanced. If you were playing PUBG Mobile before it was banned in India, your experience with BGMI will depend on several factors.
PUBG Mobile (Global Version)
If you were playing the global version of PUBG Mobile outside of India, the ban in India didn’t directly affect you. You can still play PUBG Mobile (global version) as long as you are in a region where it is available. Your progress and purchases within PUBG Mobile (global version) are tied to your account within that game.
Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
BGMI was designed specifically for the Indian market after the PUBG Mobile ban. If you want to play on Indian servers, you will need to download and install BGMI. The question of whether you need to “buy” it again depends on a few scenarios.
BGMI, like PUBG Mobile, is a free-to-play game. You do not need to pay for the initial download and installation. However, the question really revolves around whether you can transfer your data from your previous PUBG Mobile account to BGMI.
Initially, when BGMI was first released, there was an option to migrate your data from PUBG Mobile to BGMI. This allowed players to transfer their progress, skins, and other in-game items to the new game. However, this data migration option has been removed.
Therefore, if you are a new player joining BGMI now, you will be starting from scratch. While you don’t have to “buy” the game, you will need to re-earn or re-purchase any in-game items you previously had in PUBG Mobile.
The Data Migration Question
The ability to migrate data between PUBG Mobile and BGMI has been a contentious issue. Due to data privacy concerns, the option to transfer data was eventually removed. This means that even if you spent a significant amount of money on in-game purchases in PUBG Mobile, you may not be able to recover those items in BGMI. This is a crucial factor to consider when deciding whether to invest time and money in BGMI.
What About In-App Purchases?
Regardless of whether you’re playing PUBG on PC, console, PUBG Mobile (global), or BGMI, the games all offer in-app purchases. These purchases can range from cosmetic items like skins and outfits to items that can provide a slight advantage in the game.
If you are playing PUBG or BGMI on mobile, your in-app purchases are usually tied to your Google Play or Apple App Store account. If you are playing PUBG on PC or console, your purchases are tied to your Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation account.
It is important to remember that in-app purchases are generally non-transferable between different games or platforms. This means that if you purchase items in PUBG Mobile, you cannot transfer them to BGMI, or vice versa. Similarly, items purchased in PUBG on PC cannot be transferred to the console version, and vice versa.
The Future Of PUBG And BGMI
The future of PUBG and BGMI remains dynamic. The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and Krafton is likely to continue to adapt to the changing needs of players and regulatory requirements. Players should stay informed about any potential changes to the game, including updates to the data migration policy, changes to the in-app purchase system, and any other significant announcements. Staying up to date with the official news from Krafton and the PUBG/BGMI communities will help ensure that you have the most accurate information about the game and your ownership rights.
Conclusion: Do You Need To Buy PUBG Again?
So, do you need to buy PUBG again? The answer depends on your specific situation:
- PC/Console: If you already purchased PUBG on PC or console before it went free-to-play, you likely do not need to buy it again. You may have received a Battlegrounds Plus upgrade. If you didn’t purchase before, the base game is now free.
- Mobile (PUBG Mobile Global): If you play PUBG Mobile (global version) outside of India, you don’t need to buy anything new as long as you are in a supported region.
- Mobile (BGMI): BGMI is free to download and play. However, you will likely have to re-earn or re-purchase any in-game items you previously owned in PUBG Mobile, as data migration is no longer available.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to invest time and money in PUBG or BGMI is a personal one. Consider your previous purchases, your platform of choice, and your willingness to start from scratch if necessary. Understanding the history and current state of the PUBG universe will help you make an informed decision and enjoy the battle royale experience.
Is PUBG: Battlegrounds The Same As BGMI?
No, PUBG: Battlegrounds and BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) are not the same game, although they share a common origin. PUBG: Battlegrounds is the global version of the popular battle royale game, available on PC, consoles (like PlayStation and Xbox), and a separate mobile version called PUBG Mobile. BGMI, on the other hand, is a specifically localized version of PUBG Mobile designed exclusively for the Indian market.
BGMI was created after the original PUBG Mobile was banned in India due to data privacy concerns. Krafton, the company behind PUBG, developed BGMI to comply with Indian regulations, including storing user data on servers located in India. While both games offer a similar core battle royale experience, BGMI often features localized content, events, and specific changes tailored to the Indian audience.
If I Own PUBG: Battlegrounds On PC Or Console, Do I Need To Buy BGMI?
Yes, if you own PUBG: Battlegrounds on PC or console and wish to play on your mobile device within India, you will need to download and “purchase” BGMI separately. “Purchase” is in quotes because BGMI is typically available as a free-to-play game with optional in-app purchases. Your ownership of PUBG: Battlegrounds on other platforms does not grant you access to BGMI.
The reason for this is that BGMI is a distinct mobile game developed specifically for the Indian market and operates independently from the PC and console versions of PUBG: Battlegrounds. It’s considered a separate product with its own user accounts, progression systems, and gameplay updates. Therefore, you would need to download and install BGMI on your mobile device and create a new account to play.
I Previously Owned PUBG Mobile. Do I Have To Pay For BGMI?
No, you generally do not have to pay for BGMI if you previously owned PUBG Mobile, though the circumstances may vary based on your region and account history. Since BGMI was essentially a replacement for PUBG Mobile in India after the ban, your old account data may have been transferable to BGMI during the initial launch period.
However, even if your data was not directly transferred, BGMI is typically a free-to-play game. You can download it from your app store and start playing without any initial purchase. The game is supported by in-app purchases, allowing you to buy cosmetic items and other enhancements, but these are entirely optional and not required to enjoy the core gameplay.
Are My Skins And Progress From PUBG Mobile Transferred To BGMI?
During the initial launch of BGMI, Krafton offered a one-time data transfer option for players who had previously played PUBG Mobile. This allowed players to migrate their in-game skins, progress, and other account data from PUBG Mobile to BGMI.
However, this data transfer window was typically limited and has likely closed. If you missed the initial transfer period, it’s generally not possible to directly migrate your PUBG Mobile data to BGMI. This means you would need to start a new account and progress from scratch within BGMI. It’s always best to consult the official BGMI support channels for the most up-to-date information on data transfer possibilities.
Is PUBG: New State The Same Game As PUBG: Battlegrounds And BGMI?
No, PUBG: New State is not the same game as either PUBG: Battlegrounds or BGMI, although it shares the same lineage. PUBG: New State, also known as New State Mobile, is a futuristic battle royale game developed by Krafton that builds upon the core gameplay mechanics of PUBG but introduces new features, weapons, and a distinct setting set in the future.
While it offers a similar battle royale experience, PUBG: New State is designed as a separate mobile game with its own unique maps, gameplay mechanics, and visual style. It’s available globally, including in India, and operates independently from both PUBG: Battlegrounds and BGMI. Therefore, progress and items cannot be transferred between these different games.
Is BGMI Available Worldwide?
No, BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) is not available worldwide. It is a specifically localized version of PUBG Mobile designed exclusively for the Indian market. Its availability is restricted to the Indian region due to its development being tailored to comply with Indian regulations and data privacy requirements.
If you are located outside of India, you will not be able to download and play BGMI through official app stores. Instead, you would have access to the global version of PUBG Mobile (or PUBG: Battlegrounds Mobile) if you wish to play the battle royale game on your mobile device. BGMI’s localized content and servers are specific to India, making it inaccessible to players in other countries.
Can I Play PUBG: Battlegrounds On My Mobile Phone?
Yes, you can play PUBG: Battlegrounds on your mobile phone, but not directly. The PC and console version, PUBG: Battlegrounds, is not optimized for mobile devices. Instead, you would play PUBG Mobile, which is designed and optimized for mobile platforms.
PUBG Mobile offers a very similar gameplay experience to PUBG: Battlegrounds on PC and consoles, but with controls and optimizations tailored for touchscreens. It is available for download on both Android and iOS devices via their respective app stores. Keep in mind that this is distinct from BGMI which is localized for the Indian market only.