Since the launch of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), fans and players have been comparing it to its global counterpart, PUBG Mobile. It’s no secret that both games share striking similarities but also differ in subtle yet significant ways. Therefore, in this BGMI vs PUBG comparison, we’ve decided to explore the differences in the gameplay mechanics and esports scenes of both games in India.
BGMI vs PUBG: Major Differences
Gameplay and Mechanics
BGMI and PUBG Mobile at their core are battle royale games featuring fast-paced matches where up to 100 players fight for survival. As a result, you will find the same maps such as Erangel and Miramar followed by the same weapons system and vehicles. However, BGMI introduces a few tweaks which are specifically developed for its Indian audience:
- BGMI incorporates India-specific events and collaborations which makes it more relatable to Indian players. PUBG Mobile’s content is globally focused as it appeals to a broader audience.
- BGMI features visual changes like green hit effects instead of blood which regularly reminds us about the the fictional nature of the game and has been designed to comply with the Indian government regulations.
These key differences often raise the question–”Is BGMI and PUBG the same?” The short answer is not entirely.
Optimization and Performance
Both games offer smooth performance on high-end devices regarding the PUBG vs BGMI optimization. However, BGMI is optimized specifically for Indian servers which provides lower latency and better ping for players in India.
PUBG Mobile, on the other hand, uses global servers which might result in connectivity challenges for Indian players. Updates and patches for BGMI also often coincide with PUBG Mobile but the former might include region-specific features.
Streaming and Viewership
Streaming has become a cornerstone of gaming culture with BGMI and PUBG Mobile as both games dominate platforms like YouTube and Twitch. It’s no secret that BGMI boasts a massive following in India thanks to its localized focus and the influence of prominent streamers who regularly stream the game on popular video platforms.
The availability of region-specific content in BGMI has also made it a favorite for casual gamers who prefer localized features and events. PUBG Mobile enjoys global dominance but BGMI consistently secures higher viewership within India due to its massive fanbase in the country.
BGMI vs PUBG: Exploring the Esports Scene and Betting
The esports ecosystem for BGMI has witnessed tremendous growth over the past few years with high-profile tournaments and sponsorships. Titles like BGMI esports tournaments attract significant attention with prize pools often rivaling global PUBG Mobile events.
PUBG Mobile’s esports, however, has a global focus as it hosts tournaments such as the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) which invites teams from multiple regions. You’ll probably be surprised to know that BGMI players can no longer compete in global PUBG Mobile events but its dedicated tournaments continue to dominate Indian esports.
The rise of esports betting in India has also impacted how both games are perceived. PUBG Mobile’s absence from the Indian market has allowed BGMI to dominate this space which has ultimately led to the rise of esports betting in India.
Interestingly, the comparison between BGMI vs. Free Fire in the Indian esports context reveals another layer of competition. Free Fire’s lightweight requirements and fast-paced matches cater to a different audience but have made it a direct competitor, especially for casual players in India.
Free Fire esports in India has also seen massive growth as it has its own dedicated esports ecosystem with several professional Esports players and teams participating in the major tournaments.