Garena Officially Launches Free Fire India Four Years After Ban
Four years after it was banned in February 2022 over national security concerns, Garena, a subsidiary of Singapore-based technology giant Sea Limited, has officially launched a localized version of its popular game, Free Fire India, in the country.
Available on Android and iOS platforms, the new version incorporates several significant changes to comply with Indian legal requirements. These include storing user data on local cloud servers, a daily playtime limit of three hours for gamers under 18, a parental verification system, and clearly defined limits on in-game purchases.
Free Fire Max and Account Features
Vaibhav Das Mundhra, head of Garena's India operations, said the previously available Free Fire Max version would continue operating alongside the new Free Fire India.
Gamers can log in to both versions using their existing accounts. This will allow them to participate in various events and enjoy cross-play features with friends using their existing accounts.
Gaming Market and Global Response
After the Indian government banned the game in 2022, the market value of Garena's parent company, Sea Limited, fell by approximately $16 billion in a single day.
However, the game's official return after a prolonged wait has generated considerable excitement among local gamers and creators. According to app analytics firm Sensor Tower, the game has a substantial presence in India, with more than 77.4 million monthly active users. Its return is expected to inject fresh momentum into the country's emerging esports and mobile gaming industries.
//DBTech/BMT/OR//
