PUBG Mobile implementing new system to fight gaming addiction

PUBG Mobile will soon begin a new a campaign to make players more aware of when they’re potentially playing too much of the popular mobile game.

Before PUBG was pulled from Chinese app stores and replaced by Game For Peace, the country had age-locked the software in response to parents complaining that their children were playing PUBG Mobile too much. To better appease parents who feel their children are addicted to Tencent Game’s PUBG Mobile app, the publisher is introducing a new gameplay management system.

The new feature will encourage younger players to take breaks from playing through pop-up notifications between matches. 

Any player under the age of 18 will be required to acknowledge a gaming advisory pop-up before they can partake in the game. This is a system that has already been implemented in Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

PUBG Mobile is the first mobile gaming app to introduce a gameplay management system worldwide. 

Tencent Games general manager of global publishing Vincent Wang explained that the move was meant to keep players aware of the time they were putting into the game.

“PUBG Mobile is committed to being a responsible interactive entertainment provider. With experts worldwide examining the impacts of technology and video games on players of all ages, our team wants to ensure our community is equipped to make informed choices when it comes to PUBG Mobile,” Wang said. 

He noted that the announcement of the gameplay management system will ensure that the game’s hundreds of millions of players around the world can continue to enjoy the popular battle royale in a “sustainable manner.” 

Along with the gameplay management system, PUBG Mobile is also looking to educate players on the benefit of this new addition to the game. As the system continues to scale globally, Tencent Games will be looking to “assess user feedback and experience to adjust and enhance” the program. 

Late last year, the World Health Organization officially recognized video game addiction as a disorder. This has been a particular concern when it comes to children. Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association in India stated that “addiction to the game PUBG Mobile is worse than drug addiction.” 

Noting that some children play the game for up to 24 hours straight, the organization begged the governing administration to completely ban the game. 

The Hindustan Times reported in the summer of 2018 that a 15-year-old boy was undergoing treatment for PUBG Mobile addiction. According to the article, the boy would miss school and stay up late to play with his 10,000 online friends. 

Only time will tell if pop-up reminders to take a break will do much to help younger players to put away their phones.