PUBG makes ‘hilariously wholesome’ changes to in-game violence on mobile

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PUBG Mobile in China has received a major change to meet new restrictions on violent games, where finishing off a player will see them wave goodbye and hand over their loot. 

Back in December, the Chinese government finally lifted a nine-month-long ban on approving new video games into the country. The lifting of that suspension has, however, come with new significant restrictions and requirements – including the outright ban of games that involve gambling, blood, gore, as well as content that shows the country in a negative light.

That ban extends to PUBG, of course, but there is somewhat of a loophole. Tencent has published the mobile version of the game under the name ‘Game for Peace – and it’s very, very different. 

What has changed with PUBG Mobile in China?

When you drop into a game, you’re still going to find yourself in the classic Erangel map, it’s just that the new regulations have extended to making the once-violent game, a little less so. The objective is still the same, though, outlast your opponents by scoring kills.

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Now, when you shoot an enemy, players will not be able to see blood splats to show that they have been hit, as that animation has been replaced by a paintball effect. 

These changes have made things pretty hilarious in-game, particularly when you eliminate an enemy. Instead of the body disappearing from the floor and leaving only their loot behind, opponents will now wave goodbye and hand over a box of loot instead.

Why the change from PUBG Mobile?

Over 70 million players were reportedly playing PUBG Mobile on a daily basis, but because Tencent was unable to get governmental approval, they were not able to offer in-app purchases and, in turn, could not make money from the game.

The new game, which – according to the developers – “pays tribute to the blue sky warriors that guard” China’s airspace, even allows players to move over their PUBG Mobile accounts and ranks to the new release.

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It’s probably not a good idea to get your hopes up about seeing this new ‘Paintball mode’ implemented in other PUBG games across the world, though. There’s a good chance that this is only going to be available in China.